MONTESSORI EARLY CHILDHOOD DIPLOMA COURSE

Overview

Dr. Montessori saw education as a natural process for children.  This vision is implemented through the experience and wisdom of highly competent, international Montessori trainers.  Learning includes a voyage of personal discovery for student teachers.  The Montessori philosophy, which is at the heart of the course, is offered within the framework of contemporary child development.  Developmentally appropriate materials support all learning concepts and are modelled within the prepared environment. 

Course Description:   

An in-depth study of Montessori pedagogy focusing on the developmental needs of children from three to six years of age. 

Course Content

Dr. Montessori saw education as a natural process for children. This vision is implemented through the experience and wisdom of highly competent, international Montessori trainers. Learning includes a voyage of personal discovery for student teachers. The Montessori philosophy, which is at the heart of the course, is offered within the framework of contemporary child development. Developmentally appropriate materials support all learning concepts and are modelled within the prepared environment. 

This course has at least 300 hours of classroom-based training including lectures, a minimum of 140 hours of supervised practice with Montessori materials and 170 hours of observation and teaching practicum in Montessori settings. It provides the following curriculum areas:

• Historic foundations of the scientific approach to Montessori education and philosophy

• Stages of child development in the contemporary context

• Daily life activities, including practical skills through movement and music

• Sensorial development as a foundation for intellectual life

• Language development as a foundation for social life

• The preparation of the mathematical mind

• The cultural and science subjects

• The Montessori prepared environment as related to environmental design

• The child in relation to the family and the community

• Classroom management

• Parent education

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Teaching Practice and Internship

This integral aspect of the course consists of training in an approved Montessori school under the direction and guidance of an experienced Montessori certified teacher, who acts as a personal mentor. The period of internship is one academic year. During this year, the student teacher observes, assists and joins in all aspects of the educational and management process in the host school for a minimum of 400hrs. Additional independent study, material making, research and projects are required.

Qualification Award

The WLMC Diploma is awarded upon satisfactory completion all WLMC and course requirements:

 • Submission of original albums
• Required reading
• Material making 

• Practice with Montessori materials under supervision • Observation of children in Montessori settings
• Teaching Practicum
• 90% attendance 

• Successful completion of written and oral examinations 

Aims

• To place Montessori philosophy at the core of child development

• To provide trainee teachers with the keys to understand the relevant practical skills to meet the needs of the child

• To train competent teachers according to the standards of the best Montessori schools

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Intended Audience

• Those who wish to train as Montessori teachers with children between the ages of 2 .5 - 6 years of age

• Pre-school teachers who want to gain more understanding of the Montessori Method

• Individuals seeking a career change

• Practicing teachers who wish to participate in Montessori education

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Admissions Requirements

For the Montessori Early Childhood Diploma Course submit the completed application form online, by mail or in person, together with:

• The candidate must have a minimum of a Bachelors degree. 

• A current resume attached with all relevant certificates

• An official transcript

• Three letters of recommendation: academic, employer and personal

• A written observation report of an operational Montessori classroom

• Payment of the nonrefundable application fee

Admission Process

Submit a completed application form by mail, in person or online with: 

• All admissions requirements above 

 • Payment of the non-refundable N15,000.00 application fee
On receipt of your complete application package (including application fee), you will be contacted for a written essay assessment.  You will then be contacted with the results and confirmation of acceptance. 

To Apply For the Montessori early Childhood Diploma Course, print and complete the Application Form,  and submit a copy to the centre.