Diploma of Montessori Early Childhood Education

11206NAT

Dive into the transformative world of Montessori education with the Diploma of Montessori Early Childhood Education. This program provides an in-depth understanding of the theory and practical skills needed to deliver a Montessori education program for children aged 0–6 years.

  • 1 – 2 years to complete
  • Combination of Face to Face and Live Online
  • 120 hours small group face to face training
  • 550 hours in an early childhood and care setting
  • 350 hours guided independent learning

Advance your Career with the Diploma of Montessori Early Childhood Education

Are you ready to make a deeper impact on the lives of children? The Diploma of Montessori Early Childhood Education is your gateway to mastering the Montessori philosophy and practice for children aged 0–6 years. This advanced program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to lead, inspire, and innovate in Montessori education.

Comprehensive Montessori expertise

Dive deep into the Montessori method, from designing and delivering learning programs to mastering strategies for behaviour guidance, sensory development, and cultural enrichment.

Blended learning flexibility

This course combines 120 hours of face-to-face or live online training with 550 hours in an early childhood setting. You’ll also complete 350 hours of guided independent learning to fit your schedule.

Real-world application

With extensive practicum requirements, including 350 hours in a Montessori classroom and 200 hours of observation (100 each in 0–3 and 3–6 environments), you’ll gain hands-on experience to ensure you’re workplace-ready.

Personalised support

Your dedicated trainers are available through phone, email, or during face-to-face sessions. Access all your resources and assessments via a personalised online portal, ensuring a smooth and supported learning journey.

Pathway to leadership

This diploma equips you to lead Montessori programs, support educators, and manage stakeholder education programs, setting you apart as a skilled leader in the field.

What you’ll learn

Throughout this diploma, you’ll master:

  • Developing and refining sensory, cognitive, and mathematical skills.
  • Designing Montessori learning environments and programs.
  • Supporting language development and practical life skills.
  • Guiding child behaviour using Montessori principles.
  • Engaging with stakeholders to create a collaborative learning environment.

Career Pathways

Graduates of this diploma are prepared to take on leadership roles in Montessori and Early Childhood Education settings. Pair this course with an ACECQA-recognised qualification to meet NQF requirements for regulated childcare services.

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.

NAT11206001 – Facilitate the Individual Child’s Cultural Development

NAT11206002 – Facilitate the Child’s Cognitive and Mathematical Development

NAT11206003 – Apply Montessori Core Principles and Practices in a Child’s Development Program

NAT11206004 – Develop and Maintain the Learning Environment

NAT11206005 – Design and Develop Montessori Learning Programs

NAT11206006 – Develop and Enhance the Language and Communication Skills of the Child

NAT11206007 – Develop Strategies to Facilitate Practical Life Skills

NAT11206008 -Develop and Refine the Child’s Sensory Processing

NAT11206009 – Manage Stakeholder Education Programs

NAT11206010 – Strategically Support and Guide the Child’s Behaviour Using Montessori Principles and Practices

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.

Students must attend 30 hours of theory training as well as 90 hours of didactical (Montessori material) training. This training is face to face or live online with a Montessori Trainer/Assessor.

As part of the requirements for this course, Learners must organise access to an Early Childhood Education and Care environment with a Montessori philosophy, to complete the observation and practicum in a Montessori classroom.

Students must also complete:

  • 350 hours of classroom practicum – performing the activities outlined in the performance criteria of the units during a period of at least 350 hours of work in at least one regulated education and care service with a Montessori philosophy
  • 100 hours of observation within a 0 – 3 environment
  • 100 hours of observation within a 3 – 6 environment
  • 350 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 classes are conducted at one of our campus locations with the mode of face-to-face learning, within Montessori Early Childhood Environments and some online guided learning. The Theory sessions are held on Monday nights from 5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST

Learners are required to attend the face-to-face Montessori didactic materials workshops which are held at our Southside campus. These workshops run from 8am – 4:30pm.

Virtual Learning Campus

Our Theory sessions will be conducted via live online scheduled classes, within Montessori Early Childhood Environments and some online guided learning. These Live Online sessions are held one Monday night a month from 5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST.

Learners are required to attend the Montessori Didactic Workshop sessions held Live Online via Microsoft Teams from 8:00am – 4:30pm AEST.

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
  • Reflective Questions
  • Workplace Tasks
  • Third Party Reports
  • Observation Tools
  • Recognition of Prior Learning

There are no academic pre-requisites for this course. However, we require students to take a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test at the 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 - $9900

  • All course materials
  • All assessment activities
  • Direct contact with your trainer
  • Support throughout your course
  • Online support and guided online learning

Students must pay a non-refundable course deposit of $200 on enrolment on top of the course costs. This ensures your place and your allocation of text books.

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.