Vol. 512 No. 6
383 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, he has had to date with the bodies representing Montessori teachers for the full recognition of their teaching qualification throughout the early childhood and junior primary curricula; and when he will grant this recognition. [26763/99]
Under existing arrangements, recognition to teach in special schools and in special classes in national schools, and for posts as resource teachers in national schools, extends to qualified Montessori teachers who have been awarded an NCEA accredited qualification following a full-time course of at least three years in duration. The general issue of early childhood education qualifications will be addressed in the White Paper on Early Childhood Education which will be published later this week. The White Paper covers children from birth to six years, including children in infants classes in primary schools.
