Early Childhood & Montessori Education

Early Childhood & Montessori Education

Early childhood is one of the most rewarding, and important, times to teach children. This is when the individual is forming an identity and interaction with others is hugely influential on later life. A lot of responsibility then, but also a lot of fun!

Teaching can take place in a number of environments – at home, in a crèche, pre-school, kindergarten, play-school and Montessori school. Different schools and childcare workers or teachers can concentrate on different areas and education styles, but all have to know how to plan and implement programmes that address the educational needs of young children.

Montessori is among the most well known of early childhood education options. Italian Dr Maria Montessori (1870-1952) pioneered a method of education that took into account how children interacted with each other, their psychology, their learning capabilities, and how they moved through specific phases of development, which she hoped would help create well-rounded adults capable of building a better society.

Education

Degree course options include Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Care and Early Childhood Studies. They teach students about children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Typical subjects include Developmental Psychology, Language Acquisition, Assessment Techniques, Childcare Management and Healthcare & Nutrition, as well as classes in teaching Art, Music, Science, Creativity and Drama. Supervised work placements in a childcare environment are an integral part of most early childhood education courses.

Childcare is one the most common and popular courses in further education, with dozens of providers nationwide. Options include one-year Level 5 Certificates in Childcare, Childcare – Special Needs Assistant, and Childcare with Social Studies. Once completed, it is possible to advance to a Level 6 Childcare Supervision/Management programme. Work experience plays an essential role in all childcare plc programmes.

Montessori courses are available from a number of local colleges around the country. Students are taught the Montessori method of education, including subjects focusing on Practical Life Exercises, Environment & Cultural Awareness, Art & Music, Movement Sensorial Education, Language and Mathematics. You will also learn about child development (physical, social and psychological) and experience an extensive period of teaching practice.

The Work

Graduates can find work in crèches, pre-schools, day nurseries and private homes, as well as with special needs services, community services and family centres. They may also decide to move into counselling or other areas of educational, organisational and administrative work in the state, private and voluntary sectors.

One of the central tenets of early childhood education is that children learn through play, allowing them to form concepts and understand complex relationships, while keeping them interested. Typically, early childhood workers will lead their charges through play exercises that touch on key educational areas, such as music, art, science, maths and literacy.

Early childhood education professionals also deal with situations ranging from children who miss their parents, to helping children gain confidence in everyday tasks such as pouring a drink and tying their laces, to ensuring the classroom or play area conforms to official health and safety standards.

Montessori teachers deal with the above situations in a particular way. The child is encouraged to explore and learn through both his/her own will and though the examples set by the teacher.

It goes without saying that someone who works in childcare education should like children and be able to communicate well with them. Young children generally don’t care if you are tired or not in the mood to play. High levels of energy, patience and a sense of humour are useful for a career in this area, while the joy and satisfaction of helping young children learn is tremendously rewarding for many people.

Did you know?

The brain will grow to about 80% of the adult size by the age of 3 and 90% by the age of 5. This is the time, when brain is most flexible and prepared to learn.

Further Resources

• IPPA – The Early Childhood Association: www.ippa.ie
• St. Nicholas Montessori Society of Ireland: www.snmci.ie
• Síolta – The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education: www.siolta.ie