Montessori course. Which one??

Newbee012

Hi,
Wondering if anyone can help me. Im looking into doing a part-time course to become a montessori teacher but am confused with all the courses on offer.
Currently thinking the one in portobello as its close by to work but unsure of its reputation.
I dont have any qualifications at all in the area and am coming from a banking background so Its a complete mindfield to me. And with the high price of them I really dont want & cant afford to waste my money on the wrong course.
Thanks for your help.

Newbee012

Hi, thanks for the response.
I had read one other thread after I posted here saying that they weren't great so along with your post I think I will defo avoid.
I only have leaving cert so will be starting from the basics. By looks of it I'll be 40 by time I'm finished to get myself to level 8, am 32 now. Especially doing it part time. But it's something I've wanted to do for a long time now.
Really appreciate you taking time out to reply.

Geansai Rua

Hi there,

I just did the HDip year in St. Nicholas and while I couldnt recommend it enough, it may not suit the needs of the OP.

Have a look into the Open University. It may not be a Montessori Qualification but it will lead to level 7 or 8 depending on what you want to do and will therefore make you employable as you will be eligible for the higher ECCE cap rate.

The lady I worked for during college placement was doing an OU course part time whilst running the school and I know that was Level 7...

Hope this helps

Annalyn

I am currently working as a Montessori teacher. I have a BA in Early Childhood Studies. Have been working in the field for 5 plus years and my advise would be to make sure you do a course that is at least a fetac/hetac minimum 6 accredited.do not do a private course that is not recognised.
It is quite hard to gain employment in montessori at the moment. As montessori hours are generally 9-12.30 you need to be prepared to work these hours and thats all ( especially in areas outside big cities).

Newbee012

I've contacted St Nics & sad to say despite it looking & sounding like best course, I simply cannot afford €4k+ per year for the next 4 years.
Would you get a return for your money, on it?
I'm back looking at Dorset st & Progressive College now, having ruled out Portobello.
Although 2nights a week
Plus some Saturdays is a bit of a daunting commitment with two young kids to look after aswell. It is possible isn't it ?? :-/
Has anyone any opinion on either of these courses?

Natter1985

Hi, I'm just wondering what course you decided to go with in the end? I'm looking at the portobello course?

Newbee012

Natter1985 wrote: »

Hi, I'm just wondering what course you decided to go with in the end? I'm looking at the portobello course?

Hi, I signed up for ECCE with Montessori level 6 from College of Progressive Education. I'm really enjoying it. It's over 18mths at night, two nights a week and odd Saturday too. It's hard enough going but so far worth it. By the end I'll be childcare qualified & a qualified montessori teacher.
They do it as full time, part time & distance learning.
Our teacher is very highly qualified & runs her own monti too, so has bucket loads of experience and is extremely helpful not like some who won't even take an email from you, she is very supportive, which is prob why I'm enjoying it so much.
Ring the college & speak to Karen. Good luck

http://www.progressivecollege.com/Programmes/SchoolofMontessori/SM/tabid/439/vt/sc/sc/28/scmid/2411/Montessori-Programmes.aspx