Welcome to Footprints Montessori Preschool's website, which we hope you find informative and helpful.
Footprints Montessori Preschool was founded in 2007. The school is situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Killincarrig, Greystones. We operate from 8 Carrig Villas, Killincarrig, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.
We are a family business, run by three equal partners, Linda, Suzanna and Helen Grace.
Mission Statement
At Footprints our aim is to provide a learning environment, which is child-centred, happy, safe, fun and meets each child’s needs.Your child will be learning in a natural and fun environment combined with a friendly and personal approach.
“Children are one third of our population but all of our future.”
Our Facility
Footprints is a bright, airy, spacious, well-equipped facility within a 2,100 square foot dwelling a good-sized outdoor play area fitted with safety surface.
We cater for all children who are toilet trained between the ages of 2 ½ and 6 years.
We are registered with Tusla, the child and family agency and are inspected regularly. We also receive inspections from Pobal, the Department of Education and Wicklow Childcare Committee. – Find out more about TUSLA»
We are open on a daily basis Monday to Friday.– Find out more»
Our preschool follows the Montessori Method of Education, children are treated with respect and are allowed to learn at their own pace. Children follow a set programme of tasks or exercises. They learn everyday tasks such as dressing themselves, tying their shoelaces and generally caring for their own environment. Children in Footprints Montessori Preschool are also taught a wide range of subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, geography, history, science and nature studies.– Find out more»
In our Montessori classroom we also place great importance on music, arts & crafts, drama and play. – Take a look at some of the crafts»
We cater for all children including the provision of facilitates for the physically disabled.– Find out more»
Sίolta and Aistear
Sίolta (Irish word for Seed) is the National Quality Framework for Early Education developed by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) in 2006 and since 2008 the Early Years Policy Unit (EYEPU) in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs has been responsible for the implementation of Síolta.
Sίolta has developed 16 standards of quality of which include: the rights of the child, the environment (outdoor and indoor space), parents and families, play, communication, legislation and identity and belonging.
– Find out more about Sίolta »
Aistear (Irish word for journey) is the new Curriculum Framework for all children from birth to six years. The themes of Aistear are well-being, Identity and Belonging, Communication, Exploring and Thinking. Aistear does not prescribe any one type of curriculum but rather establishes shared values and themes which should guide whatever curriculum practitioners choose to use.
Montessori principles are firmly embedded in Sίolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework.
We run a quality service at Footprints Montessori Preschool which adheres to the principles of Sίolta and the themes of Aistear.
– Find out more about Aistear - Go to Early Childhood Ireland Website»
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Find out more about Aistear - Go to National Council for Curriculum and Assesment Website »
Our Team
Helen Grace
Manager / Owner
FETAC level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education with distinctionMother of 4 grown up children two of whom are twins.
Numerous years experience working as a montessori teacher and in childminding.
Managing and working in Footprints Montessori Preschool since its foundation in 2007.
Qualifications
- FETAC level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education with distinction
- Distinction in the Montessori Method of Education (School of Practical Childcare).
- Distinction in FETAC Communication, Customer Service, Text Productions and Word Processing.
- European Computer Driving License.
- Certificate in Fashion Design.
- Previous work experience included the management and running of the printing department of the head office of the Education Building Society.
Linda Grace
Assistant Manager / Owner
B.A. in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care,passed with distinction,
B.A. Behavioural Science (Psychology),
FETAC level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education with distinction
Working in Footprints Montessori Preschool since its foundation in 2007.
Qualifications
- B.A. in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care, passed with distinction
- B.A. Behavioural Science (Psychology) (2.1) (HETAC level 8), incorporating Child Development and Psychology of Learning.
- FETAC level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education with distinction
- Distinction in the Montessori Method of Education (School of Practical Childcare).
- Worked for 5 years as a Team Member/Job Advocate caring for people with intellectual disabilities in Stewarts Hospital, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.
- Foundation Diploma in Training and Education in Supported Employment through the Open Training College (Validated through NUI, Galway).
- Completed 9 week Training Course for the ISPCC and worked on a voluntary basis for Childline for 12 months.
Suzanna Grace
Montessori Teacher / Owner
RGN, BSc Nursing, H. Dip. Montessori EducationWorking in Footprints Montessori Preschool since its foundation in 2007.
Qualifications
- Higher Diploma in Montessori Education, St. Nicholas College Ireland (2.1 HETAC, level 8).
- Registered General Nurse (RGN) with 12 years nursing experience, Diploma in Nursing.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2.1) (HETAC level 8).
- Distinction in the Montessori Method of Education (School of Practical Childcare).