Language: German

Abstract/Notes: In England, the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce is largely characterised by a high proportion of young, female employees with lower than average qualification levels to comparable sectors, high staff turnover, poor pay, and restricted professional development opportunities, while carrying out demanding and responsible work. Within this context, the research reported here examined the workforce, professional development and qualifications of Montessori settings within the Montessori Schools Association (MSA) in England compared to the general ECEC sector in England. An online survey with a mix of closed and open text questions using the Qualtrics survey tool was administered through MSA from February - Summer 2020. A response rate of 22% was achieved with 77 responding settings. Key messages from findings were: Montessori settings reported well qualified, experienced staff and higher Ofsted ratings; nonetheless there were threats to maintaining qualification levels, difficulties in professional development and poor external recognition of Montessori qualifications; the future supply of trained Montessori workforce was insecure and currently has limited diversity; Montessori provision was more likely to be in areas of lower disadvantage and, within settings, higher qualified staff were most likely to be deployed with older children.

Language: English

Published: Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, 2020

Language: German

Language: German

Published: München: Kindler, 1978

ISBN: 3-463-00716-9

Language: English

Published: Long Beach, California, 1978

Abstract/Notes: In this paper a brief biographical introduction to Dr. Maria Montessori provides insight into the origin of her philosophy of early childhood education. Key concepts underlying the Montessori approach to education are then developed with special emphasis on their interrelationship. More details are included in the group discussion report which is included at the end of the section.

Language: English

Published: Zaria, Nigeria: Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, 1983

Abstract/Notes: Studies from several countries are described in this review of literature pertinent to assigning day care children to multi-age or homogeneous age groups. Three issues are discussed in this regard: (1) What difference does it make how one groups children? The answer is that a profound difference to children, staff, and parents may occur in terms of social environment, curriculum design, success at school, and other factors. (2) What aspects of the child's development are affected by age grouping? The answer is that multi-age grouping positively influences social, emotional, and some learning outcomes, whereas homogeneous grouping seems to produce mastery of academic skills. Success of particular grouping choices depends on the end desired and on the skills of staff members. (3) How does age grouping affect the achievement of preschool goals? The answer to this question ultimately can be provided only by a center's staff and the families being served. Because research is still being conducted on the effects of grouping children under 6 years of age, the decision to place children in multi-age or homogeneous groups depends on program goals, client characteristics, center resources, and staff training and inclinations.

Language: English

Published: Norwood, New Jersey: Ablex, 1982

ISBN: 978-0-89391-109-6

Volume: 4

Abstract/Notes: A Head Start Program operating in Kansas City since 1965 was viewed as inadequate because enrollment was limited to about 600 children per year. The Model Cities Agency determined to provide a program for the remainder of the children in the Model Cities neighborhoods. The programs developed were differentiated administratively for the purposes of this evaluation and the program considered a single entity and referred to as Early Childhood Education. These questions were developed as evaluation goals: What specific educational approaches were provided?; To what degree do the children grow to the stated objectives?; Do these programs meet the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs of the program's four-year-old children?; Do these children grow differentially?; Are specified goals reached as anticipated by staff?; What program differences account for student growth differences?; Do parents in the parent education component change relevant to their children's development?; Are these programs complementary with kindergarten programs of urban schools?; What are the effects of staff development activities?; Is program administration effective?; Are children with special problems provided assistance in achievement of program objectives?; And what program changes should be made? Each question is treated in succession and is detailed. Summaries giving the main thrust are provided after each section. (RC)

Language: English

Published: Kansas City, Missouri, Sep 1971

Abstract/Notes: The Portland Chapter 1 Early Childhood Education Program is one of three arrangements in the district to offer education for preschool children. Together, the programs enrolled 1,500 students during 1986-87. Although there are some differences among programs, the one located at Kenton School is typical of most. It consists of 3 classrooms, each holding a morning and an afternoon session of 2.5 hours each, with each session having the capacity for 20 students. Each classroom is staffed with a certified teacher and an aide. Other professional staff who were involved included the principal, program coordinator, speech therapist, and community agent. Program costs amounted to approximately 2,000 dollars per year per child. The curriculum covered language, math, small and large motor functions, art and music, and personal and social development. Program activities alternated between large and small group contexts, with student movement around the classroom quite unrestricted except during direct instruction. Many of the techniques replicated those of the Headstart Program and the Montessori method. Data obtained via a rating form containing a large sample of the skills taught in the seven skill areas and via follow-up of children who completed the program indicate that the program helps children master skills and that replication of the program across years has been consistent. Evaluation instruments are appended. (TJH)

Language: English

Published: Portland, Oregon, Aug 1987

Abstract/Notes: The language immersion approach of the Intercultural Montessori School (Oak Park, Illinois) for children aged 2-6 years is described and discussed. An introductory section gives background information on early work with immersion by Maria Montessori, a personal experience leading to the school's establishment, and the response of language and education professionals, the public, and parents to the concept of preschool immersion. Subsequent sections discuss common patterns in the students' language learning experience at the school and the developmental stages the learners went through as the experiment progressed: pre-production; early production; speech emergence; and intermediate fluency. Anecdotal information about specific students and events are used for illustration. Observations about comprehensible input and the Montessori manipulables, whole language, and other instructional strategies are included. Specific recommendations are made for content and classroom procedures in early childhood immersion, based on this experience. The paper concludes with reflections on the potential of this environment for development of bilingualism.

Language: English

Published: Oak Park, Illinois: InterCultura Montessori School, 1997