Certificate III in Montessori Early Childhood Education

11024NAT

Are you inspired by the Montessori approach and passionate about shaping young minds? The Certificate III in Montessori Early Childhood Education equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to support children in Montessori settings. This specialised program is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of Montessori philosophy while contributing to a nurturing educational environment.

  • 1 – 2 years to complete
  • Small group, face-to-face or Live Online training options available

    Begin your journey in Montessori education

    Are you inspired by the Montessori philosophy and eager to nurture young minds? The Certificate III in Montessori Early Childhood Education is the perfect program to help you develop foundational skills and deepen your understanding of this time-tested educational approach. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to specialise, this course offers a comprehensive blend of theory, practice, and support to guide your success.

    Specialise in Montessori education

    Gain unique insights into the Montessori method, equipping you to create enriching, child-centered learning environments. This qualification is ideal for anyone passionate about fostering independence, creativity, and curiosity in children.

    Flexible learning options

    Balance your studies with other commitments by choosing between small-group, face-to-face sessions or live online training. Classes are scheduled on Tuesday evenings, making it easy to fit into your busy life.

    Real-world experience

    This course combines 160 hours of classroom practicum, 100 hours of Montessori observation, and 438 hours of guided independent learning. You’ll apply what you learn in a real Montessori environment, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the challenges of the field.

    Expert support every step of the way

    You’re never on your own. Access personalised support through your online portal, where you’ll find learning materials, assessments, and direct access to your trainers.

    Affordable education

    With a total course cost of just $4,500, including all materials and assessments, we also offer flexible payment plans to help you budget your investment in your future.

    What you’ll learn

    You’ll gain knowledge and skills to:

    • Gather and use information about children effectively.
    • Promote and implement Montessori philosophy in daily practice.
    • Facilitate the Montessori curriculum and maintain the learning environment.
    • Support development in Practical Life, Grace and Courtesy, language, mathematics, sensory learning, and more.

    Career pathways

    This course positions you for roles in Montessori and Early Childhood Education settings. Pair it with an ACECQA-recognised qualification to meet National Quality Framework (NQF) requirements for regulated childcare services.

    Don’t wait to start making a difference in the lives of children. The Certificate III in Montessori Early Childhood Education is more than a qualification—it’s a pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career.

    All Learners are provided with a set of learning guides and books, as well as online guided learning via our learner management system. During the course, each Learner will have access to their own personal portal where they can download and receive their assessments, and can access support from their trainers via the phone, email, or face-to-face during classes. This ensures that learners have full support from the college.

    NAT11024001 – Gather and use information about the child

    NAT11024002 – Promote Montessori philosophy theory and practice

    NAT11024003 – Assist in the facilitation of the Montessori curriculum

    NAT11024004 – Maintain the learning environment

    NAT11024005 – Support Practical Life and Grace and Courtesy development

    NAT11024006 – Support Montessori language development

    NAT11024007 – Support sensory development

    NAT11024008 – Support Cultural, Science and The Arts development

    NAT11024009 – Support mathematical development

    Note: This course does not meet National Quality Framework (NQF) qualifications independently. Pair this program with an ACECQA-recognised qualification to meet regulated childcare service requirements.

    This program is delivered part-time over a period of 1 – 2 years.

    Learning will be conducted in the training centre or via real time, scheduled online classes. These sessions are run on a Tuesday night from 5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST (Brisbane)

    Students are required to organise access to an Early Childhood Education and Care environment with a Montessori philosophy, as observation and practicum in a classroom is required as part of the course.

    Students must also complete:

    • 160 hours of classroom practicum – performing the activities outlined in the performance criteria of the units in at least one regulated education and care service with a Montessori philosophy
    • 100 hours of Montessori observation
    • 27 hours of theoretical tutorials
    • 438 hours of guided independent learning.

    There are two choices for Delivery. Your enrolment type will define how your course is delivered.

    Face-to-Face

    Our lessons are conducted in the classroom with the mode of face-to-face learning, within Montessori Early Childhood Environments and some online guided learning.

    Virtual Learning Campus

    These lessons will be held in our virtual classroom. They are scheduled and hosted in real-time virtually with your trainer.

    Upfront Payments: Students may choose to pay up to $1500 for their course upfront. Further payments of up to $1500 can be made at a later in the students enrolment. Course fees are to be paid via bank transfer to MECTA once an invoice is received.

    Payment Plans: MECTA offers payments plans to students who require it. Payment plans are individually created with the student to ensure they meet the needs of the student.

    Funding: Government funding options may be available – learn more >

    We use competency-based assessment for all assessment activities. Students prove competency with demonstrations of written knowledge and practical skills. We take timelines into consideration for practical skills and students must meet the criteria as deemed industry competent by the assessor.

    Formative evidence will be assessed in the form of an Assessment Task Portfolio. The Assessment Task Portfolio uses several assessment tools to accommodate the student’s individual needs. The assessment types include:

    • Written Assessments
    • Portfolio
    • Practical Observation
    • Projects
    • Research project
    • Case Study
    • Montessori Albums
    • Observation and Practicum logbooks
    • Material Examination

    There are no academic pre-requisites. However, we require students to take a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test at time of enrolment.

    To enrol in this course you will need:

    • A free Canva account. Create your account at www.canva.com
    • A device, such as an iPad or computer, to complete your learning, assessments and training sessions.
    • Video conferencing hardware including a working computer camera with speakers and microphone (Virtual Campus Students only)
    • Reliable access to the internet.
    • A device to record yourself for the Practical Component.
    • A quiet space to attend tutorials without interruption.
    • Sound technology and digital literacy skills

    Cost - $4500

    • Training sessions
    • All materials used during the course
    • Assessment tools
    • Access to online guided learning portal

    Students must pay a non-refundable course deposit of $200 on enrolment to secure your enrolment

    Ask a question

    How to Apply

    Step 1: Enrolment Enquiry

    To let us know that you are interested in studying this course complete an Enquiry Form by clicking on Apply.  Once we have received this form and confirmed eligibility we will send you information regarding your course. You will be required to send back a confirmation that you would like to go ahead training with us.

    Step 2: Complete Induction course

    You will be sent a link to log into our Student Management System Axcelerate to complete our online induction course. During this induction you will be given in depth information about your course and MECTA. Once this is complete you will be sent the online enrolment form.

    Step 3: Commence Training

    You will be enrolled into the Nationally Recognised Course you have chosen with MECTA and you can commence your training.