About the Diploma

The Diploma is administered by the Aperfield Montessori Trust.

Status
This course is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and the Aperfield Montessori Trust is accredited to teach it.

Author Binda Goldsbrough, M.B.E: Books 1 - 4

The Module - Ministerial Requirements & Expectations are compiled by Norah Fryer & Roberta Kempthorne.

Eligibity to Enroll
The diploma is open only to students who:

• Are citizens of New Zealand or Australia or are NZ permanent residents.
• Are 18 years and over.
• Have a pass in Sixth Form Certificate English or minimum achievement of Level 5; NCEA Level 2 minimum "achieved" or a pass in a piece of preliminary written work, as set by the Aperfield Trust.
• Have already completed a tertiary qualification, which is satisfactory to the Trust. They may have direct entry to the diploma.

For the safety of children and teachers, new students to the Early Childhood Education profession, enrolling in the Montessori diploma are required to undergo the police vetting procedure.

Scope
Covers the First Stage of Development, 0 - 6 years, expanding in detail on activities for children 3 - 6 years.

Format
Designed as a Self Study (Distance) Course, it is presented in four Montessori textbooks for the curriculum areas and six booklets for the Ministerial Module.

Content
Book 1: Basic Theory, Practical Life and Sensorial Activities.
Book 2: English Language, Mãori Language , Mathematics.
Book 3: Environmental Studies.
Book 4: The Arts, Special Needs, Class Management.

The Module : Ministerial Requirements & Expectations.
Students may enroll for one book at a time but they must be taken in sequence. Partial RPL can be applied for.

Duration
Distance learning up to 4.5 years (1200 hours). Directed Distance up to 2.5 years (1200 hrs)

Requirements:

Study from the text in each book and other books as recommended.

Exercises interspersed throughout the text.

Assignments (essays, observations etc.) At the end of each subject area.

Supervised practice with the apparatus.

Practical and written tests.

Staff
Educational Coordinator, Administrator, Executive Officer and Treasurer who oversee the total course. Tutors (experienced Montessori Teachers) who mark assignments and generally assist students.

Diploma
Students satisfactorily performing all the requirements will be awarded an Aperfield Montessori Diploma in Early Childhood Education.