The Intensive Bridging Programme is aimed at existing Early Years Or Montessori Degree Holders with an interest in SEN Teaching in Ireland.
Please note that the IBP is not an award in itself. The IBP does NOT guarantee entry to the B.A. (Hons) programme where entry is determined via an interview and other entry requirements. Completion of the IBP does NOT enable participants to seek recognition from the Teaching Council of Ireland.
The Montessori Bridging Programme is a Continuing Professional Development programme for graduates of Early Years and other relevant education degrees who are seeking to learn about Montessori Education, Philosophy and Methodologies. It is a one semester course comprising of lectures, tutorials and significant independent study. Learners will complete an end of programme assessment which they must pass in order to be able to apply to the Level 8 BA Honours in Montessori Education at SNMCI. Please read the warning above regarding Teaching Council Registration under route 4.
In addition, learners must complete a School Placement module with 4 weeks of scheduled school placement periods, comprised as follows:
Learners are assigned tutors at the beginning of the course and the course is managed by a Programme Director.
Mode of Study
Programmes are delivered in our Dun Laoghaire and Cork campuses. Some modules or parts of modules may also be delivered online via web conferencing, or live lectures online. The programme may also be delivered from our Cork campus subject to numbers.
Placement takes place each year and this can be arranged in schools throughout the country (additional fees may apply for placements in settings outside a 50km radius of Dun Laoghaire or Cork, respective to your campus location).
Part Time
The part-time programme runs in the Friday evenings and Saturdays. Attendance is mandatory for this programme.
Applicants to the Montessori Briding Programme are required to hold an Early Years Education degree (Level 7 or Level 8) or other relevant education degree at Level 7 or Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
The objectives of the infancy bridging module are to introduce the learner to the knowledge and practical skills required to meet the physical care needs of infants and toddlers in ECEC environments, in particular Montessori environments, identifying key concepts of Montessori philosophy such as the prepared environment, freedom, the role of the adult, active learning, sensory experiences and language and communication.
The objectives of this module are to provide the learner with detailed knowledge of Montessori theory and methodology for Practical Life, Sensorial Education, Language, Mathematics and Culture (History/Geography/Science/Nature). The module expands on learners’ knowledge of Montessori theory, introduced in the infancy module, and focuses on concepts relevant to the child up to 6 years.
The objective of this module is to investigate a range of other early years’ philosophies and to compare and contrast them with Montessori philosophy, to allow learners to critique Montessori Education and to see its place in the history of child centred pedagogy.
This module seeks to promote effective teaching and learning across educational settings for the child 6 to 12 years, enabling learners to work confidently and competently with Montessori materials to include the PSC and Montessori curricula. The module will prepare the learner to create and implement educational activities suitable to the holistic development of the child. In particular, it will develop in the learner detailed knowledge of the Montessori curriculum and how it integrates with the PSC. This module is closely linked with the School Placement module.
This module provides learners with a thorough grounding of Montessori’s theory for the child from six to twelve years and in particular, examines the concept and ethodology of Cosmic Education. The module will also investigate the philosophical concepts underpinning the Primary School Curriculum (PSC) such as those of Bruner, Dewey, Chomsky and Vygotsky.
This module will support the learner’s knowledge in Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and self-regulatory difficulties. It will address access to the curriculum through models of differentiation. Learners will examine differentiating instruction through the Montessori Method and the didactic materials
Placement
Placement comprises: –
Part time fees = € 2,250
A €500 non-refundable deposit is payable to secure a place. The deposit will be deducted from the fees.
(Should the programme not be delivered by the College, then all fees will be returned)
Instalment plans are available.
Please apply for the Intensive Bridging Programme using the RPL section within the Application Form. a €50 fee applies.
Please be sure to submit evidence of your existing Level 7+ Early Years or Montessori degree within your application.
For further information contact info@smsi.ie Please state the name and location of the course you are seeking information on in the subject of the email.
International Applications
It is unlikley that international applicants will be eligible for this programme. However, if you believe you are eligible, please register your interest and we will be in touch with next steps.
No, this course is not recognised by the Teaching Council under Route 4. However, this is an entry point to the Level 8 BA Honours which is the course recognised by the Teaching Council. Those with Early Years or Montessori degrees can apply for the Bridging Programme until Spring 2022.
In order to receive Teaching Council recognition to work in Special Education settings, students must complete and graduate from the Level 8 BA Honours (once completing the Bridging Programme).
No. Exemptions and Advanced entry are not allowed within this course.
No. This programme is not eligible for SUSI grant funding, but the Full Time Level 8 BA Honours course thereafter does recognise the SUSI Grant. For students paying their own fees, instalment plans are available and tax relief is available for tax payers (including parents of students).
Yes. All assessments must be attempted.
Formative assessment is on-going to encourage engagement and enquiry.
Summative pieces are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis by the relevant module leaders to ensure learners are well prepared should they decide to proceed to the rigorous BA (Hons) Award Year.
We have been preparing Ireland’s leading Montessori teachers and early years practitioners since 1970. We are accredited by QQI and we are a founder member of the Irish Montessori Education Board (IMEB) and of the Higher Education College Association (HECA).
Dun Laoghaire School: ECCE Free Childcare Places Available. Primary age 6 - 9 places available. Dismiss