The intention of the Assistants Course is to help interested adults become able assistants in a Montessori Nido or Infant Community.
Qualification Authorising Body
Course Information
Sixty hours at the Centre and nine additional hours of observation – either immediately after the course or parallel to the course. Specific topics to focus on will be given for observation.
No prerequisites
| To enrol, all applicants are required to: | |
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complete a course application form |
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comply with any other local application requirements |
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Completion of course units. |
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Submission of three papers (500 words each) on topics set by the course, to be submitted by a date stipulated by the course director. |
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In order to obtain the Birth to Three Assistants Course Certificate a minimum of 90% attendance is required. |
| It is recommended that selected reading from the four books listed below be undertaken during the course to prepare the Assistants for further reading after the course. | |
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Understanding the Human Being |
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The Child in the Family |
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Education for a New World |
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The Absorbent Mind |
Further reading for students to undertake after the course will be recommended by the trainer.
Testimonials
Course Units
Biography of Dr Montessori and an introduction to the concept of education as an aid to life.
Role of the Montessori teacher.
How to support the development of the child and assist the teacher. This will also provide an overview of how the parent can support the child’s development in the home.
Montessori’s framework outlining the different characteristics of needs of people at different stages of development and how we can support this.
The Child’s Mind from 0-6 years also touching upon Sensitive Periods, but emphasising the power of the Absorbent Mind, particularly the Unconscious Absorbent Mind.
The importance of Order and Precision, with emphasis on the part Order plays in the development of the personality.
Development of Movement and its significance for the child under three. This also includes practising basic movements such as walking within the environment, carrying trays, chairs, materials, opening and closing doors, drawers, etc., as a model for the children in a Montessori Prepared Environment.
Overview of the development of language, also taking into account the following elements: preparation of the adult; use of language in general; the need for correct, precise, rich, scientifically exact vocabulary; techniques for vocabulary building; how to listen to children; how to elicit language; and how to give a 3-period lesson.
Overview of the development of independence, also taking into account different levels of independence—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, as conditions for interdependence. Practice how to help to dress and undress children under three and the importance of clothing for the development of children.
The role and nature of the Home, Nido, Infant Community environments (including the physical and the intangible aspects).
Understanding the concept of Freedom from the Montessori point of view and the growth of Discipline as an inner development the foundation of which is laid from birth to three.
Theory and techniques of music and art and how these can be offered to children under three.
The importance of maintaining the indoor and outdoor environment and the role of the assistant in relation to this.
Toilet learning in Nido and Infant Community.
Introducing the techniques for making, mending and maintaining materials. Includes time for practical components.
