Be Inspired, Invigorated & Informed–MMEF Professional Development Opportunities, 2016

Tena Kotou Friends

Many of you have been inquiring about the 9-day AMI birth - 3 Assistant Certificate Course commencing on April 18th – 28th – the interest is building which is great news!

We truly believe that this course should be accessible to everyone and anyone with an interest in the natural development of young children aged birth to three. With accessibility in mind we are delighted to inform you of a new payment option:-

Register on-line and pay just 50% of the course fees before Friday February 12th, 2016 and you’ll still receive the early bird discount.  The remainder of the course fees are to be paid by Thursday March 31st. (please tick the 50% deposit option on your registration form).

Alternatively, you can make 1 payment in full - though do take advantage of the early bird discount and register by Friday February 12th.

For the course brochure, go to our website at mmef.org.nz or click on this link http://goo.gl/NhtCzR.

You can also register for the course on-line via the MMEF website too.

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‘Language - Material Making‘ Workshop

Saturday January 16th, at AUT, Northcote, Auckland

9.00 - 4.30p.m

We’re delighted to invite you join AMI 3-6 Trainer, Cheryl Ferreira and the AMI students for a hands-on material making workshop.

Join us as we explore a vital part of the language area - the Classified Reading materials. The workshop will include:-

• how to make your own Classified Reading materials,
• how to introduce the Classified Cards in your environments ,
• you’ll also make ‘one way’ of displaying the Classified Reading materials.

This workshop may just be the motivation your team need to make the many sets of classified cards that you’ve been meaning to make for ages!

Cost - only $80 (inc. card though excluding pictures. Details will be given closer to the date). AUT students $50. BYO food.

*** Numbers will be limited.

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‘Safeguarding Young Children’ Workshop

(inc. the Vulnerable Children’s Act, 2014)

Thursday February 25th, Kawai Pupupura Retreat Centre, Albany, Auckland 9.00-4.30p.m.

Facilitator – Desma Cornhill, AUT lecturer

Have all of your staff attended a Child Protection workshop? It’s best practice to do so! Here’s the perfect opportunity to develop a team approach to those vulnerable in our communities.

The workshop will include:-

• Protecting and safeguarding our children
• Signs and symptoms of neglect and abuse
• Reporting
• How to develop a child protection policy
• Advice concerning identification – who would this involve?
• Three year reviews, Ministry of Education licensing and certification criteria & ERO

Cost - only $60.00. BYO food.

Book the dates in your diaries – booking forms will be available shortly. In the meantime, email mmef@ihug.co.nz for more information.

Ka Kite Ano, MMEF

Is This on Your Term 4 to do list? Book Your Place on the AMI 0-3 Assistant Certificate Course, April, 2016 today!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

Congratulations to the students of the 5th AMI 3-6 Assistant Certificate Certificate Course as they completed their 9-day course.

20 students from Queenstown to Matakana were ably guided by AMI trainer Philippa Romig from Switzerland and MMEF’s Carol Potts. The enthusiastic students traversed 60 hours of Montessori theory and practice with time in between for reflective and convivial conversations,walking on the line (picture), networking plus lots of singing!

We were extremely fortunate also to be joined by Kaiako Carol Smith, from the Peace Foundation, who’s knowledge and wisdom helped us to draw parallels between Maori kaupapa and the Montessori philosophy.

Our huge thanks to Steven Arnold and AUT for hosting the course.

Register for the 0-3 Assistant Certificate Course – Auckland, April 2016

This week, schools and organisations will be receiving registration forms for MMEF’s forthcoming AMI Birth -3 Montessori Assistants Certificate Course to be held at the tranquil Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre, Albany, Auckland in April 2016. Please display the details of this amazing course on your parent noticeboards and inform anyone with an interest in the natural development of young children under 3.

The Montessori philosophy guides adults in respectful interactions with children, these serve as a basis for collaborative relationships that honour partnership between the adult and child.

Research continues to validate that the early years of life, particularly from birth to three, permanently impact a child’s future.

The AMI Birth -3 Assistants Course is the ideal foundation course for anyone interested in the Montessori’s respectful approach to child development. Equally beneficial for parents, grandparents, educators, school administrators and anyone involved with or passionate about the care and education of young children.

This 9 day course will explore Montessori principles and philosophy while emphasising the importance of free movement and language development for infants and toddlers. Practical elements including; the art of observation, how to support independence and establishing a framework for toilet learning and much more…

Accommodation is available at the venue for those who  book early via http://kawaipurapura.co.nz/retreats-accommodation/

We are extremely fortunate to have Julia Hilson, AMI 0-3 trainer from Australia, leading the course.

For more information please download the course brochure from our website at mmef.org.nz or click on this link http://goo.gl/NhtCzR .

You can also register for the course on-line  via the MMEF website too!

For further information email mmef@ihug.co.nz.

More Professional Development Opportunities – Dates for Your Diary - 2016

On January 16th, 2016 MMEF will be offering a workshop on Material Making – Classified Reading Material with Cheryl Ferreira. Details will sent out shortly.

Towards the end of February (exact date tbc), MMEF will also be offering a workshop on Safeguarding Young Children including information on the Vulnerable Children’s Act.

It is essential that staff in centres attend a Child Protection workshop to refresh themselves on latest regulations, signs and symptoms and support agencies. Details will sent out soon.

All for Now.

Your thoughts, ideas and comments are always welcome.

MMEF