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Montessori Registered™

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Montessori Registered™

Authentic Montessori Practice, Verified

Australia’s national quality assurance program for Montessori education.
Supporting authentic Montessori practice with ACARA recognized curriculum
for early childhood centres, schools, and professional development across Australia.

ACARA Recognized National Curriculum

Discover MQ:AP Program

What Is Montessori Registered™?

Supporting Reflective Development

Montessori Registered™ is Australia’s national quality assurance program for Montessori schools and centres. Developed by Montessori Australia, the national peak body for Montessori education since 2007, it helps services reflect, improve, and maintain authentic Montessori practice through clear standards, guidelines, and professional support.

  • âś“
    ACARA recognized Montessori National Curriculum
  • âś“
    Continuous reflective development model
  • âś“
    Professional Montessori teacher training support
  • âś“
    Quality assurance for families and stakeholders
  • âś“
    Networking and professional mentoring

Core Philosophy

“Education as an aid to life” – believing children are born with amazing potentialities and deserve support to maximize these through appropriate learning environments based on Maria Montessori philosophy.

Our Mission

Supporting Montessori education and adult care across Australia, maintaining ACARA recognition as an alternative national curriculum framework while supporting authentic practice.

MQ:AP Six-Step Process

The Montessori Quality: Authentic Practice (MQ:AP) program guides Australian Montessori centres
through a comprehensive quality improvement journey.

1

Explore

Explore the MQ:AP website and program information to understand the quality framework for authentic Montessori practice.

2

Select

Select a guide from your staff to attend the Authentic Practice Guide training and lead your program.

3

Submit

Submit the online Self Assessment Application to begin your quality improvement journey.

4

Develop

Develop an Action Plan and submit Annual Updates against the plan for continuous improvement.

5

Option A

Supporting Reflective Development and Self-assessment pathway for quality assurance.

6

Option B

Supporting Reflective Development, Self-assessment and verifying visit for comprehensive validation.

MQ:AP Program Statuses

Four clear stages of progression for Montessori schools Australia
participating in our quality assurance program.

Qualify to Apply

Initial Assessment Stage

Education services evaluating their readiness to begin the MQ:AP quality improvement journey and preparing for authentic Montessori practice assessment.

MQ:AP Applied

Enrolled on the MQ:AP Program

Education services that have committed to the quality improvement journey and are beginning their authentic Montessori practice assessment.

MQ:AP Participating

Engaged with Trained Guides

Services actively undertaking self-assessment with trained guides, working towards meeting Montessori standards and quality frameworks.

Montessori Registered™

Meeting Montessori Standards

Services that have completed all steps and meet the majority of Montessori Standards, demonstrating excellence in early childhood education Montessori practice.

Why Should Your Education Service Participate?

Australian Quality Movement

Join an Australian movement where Montessori Standards and Guidelines support positive growth and development of Montessori education services nationwide.

National Quality Framework Alignment

Address National Reform and National Quality Standards through integrated continuous improvement, clarifying Montessori curriculum ACARA compliance.

Streamlined Self-Assessment

Benefit from streamlined, self-assessment based processes that aid services while maintaining compliance with ACECQA and State Education Departments.

Professional Development Support

Access comprehensive Montessori professional development opportunities, networking, and mentoring through Montessori Australia.

Program Objectives

  • âś“
    Promote confidence in providing authentic Montessori practice for children and families throughout Australia
  • âś“
    Support staff to create a culture of continuous reflection leading to quality outcomes
  • âś“
    Elevate recognition of Montessori’s contribution to quality education and care within government
  • âś“
    Support leadership with National Quality Framework compliance for accountability and professionalism

For Families Choosing Montessori

The focus of MQ:AP ensures authentic Montessori practice through continuous, reflective development. It provides standards and guidelines supported by professional development models.

Important Note: “Montessori” is not trademarked, so any education service can include the word in its name. MQ:AP helps families identify services committed to authentic practice based on Maria Montessori philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MQ:AP and why was it redesigned?

Montessori Quality: Authentic Practice (MQ:AP) is the redesigned version of the original Montessori Quality Assurance Programme from 2007. It was reviewed and reengineered in 2021 to meet current industry practice, progressing standards and creating a sustainable support network for Montessori education services across Australia.

What is a MAP Guide and what role do they play?

A Montessori Authentic Practice Guide (MAP Guide) is a staff member from your education service, selected by the service leader, who takes responsibility for facilitating the quality improvement process. MAP Guides are crucial to the success of MQ:AP ‘Supporting Reflective Practice’ and must have foundational skills in Montessori principles, pedagogy and practice. They undergo intensive training and work to develop confidential, trusting relationships with staff.

How has the assessment process changed?

MQ:AP has shifted from auditing for assurance to self-assessments with verification. This aligns with Early Childhood/Long Day services implementing self-assessments with the National Quality Standard (NQS), and reflects the individual improvement journey of each service rather than comparative ratings. This approach reduces costs while maintaining quality assurance for authentic Montessori practice.

What are the six quality standards in MQ:AP?

MQ:AP expanded from four to six standards using an integrated systems approach:

  • The Customer: The Child – Ensuring Montessori’s focus on the child is clearly prioritized
  • The Prepared Adult: Educators and Guides
  • The Prepared Environment
  • The Educational Program
  • The Stakeholders: Families, Communities, and Government
  • Governance, Leadership, and Admissions – Enhanced to highlight leadership’s crucial role

How does MQ:AP align with Australian education requirements?

MQ:AP recognizes the rigorous Quality Improvement Process for Early Childhood services and links with registration and accreditation processes for Australian schools. The color coding of standards aligns with the Australian NQS, making it easy for educators and guides to link Authentic Practice Guidelines with current Early Childhood service requirements. This creates streamlined support for compliance while maintaining Montessori curriculum ACARA recognition.

What training is required for MAP Guides?

MAP Guides must complete a two-day foundation training program covering MQ:AP Standards and Guidelines and reflective practice. This intensive training is offered as a series of seminars and ensures guides are committed to making the process supportive and positive for everyone involved. MAP Guides are selected and approved by their employer to serve their organization.

Who are considered stakeholders in the MQ:AP framework?

Stakeholders include staff, families, and the broader community (including government). Recent American Montessori research has highlighted stakeholders as integral parts of the organizational structure and system. This comprehensive approach ensures all parties invested in the child’s education are considered in the quality improvement process.

Where can I access MQ:AP resources and information?

The MQ:AP Standards and Guidelines and self-assessment processes are available on the Montessori Australia website for schools, centres, educators, and families to access. MAP Guides also have access to the Montessori Quality: Authentic Practice Portal with specialized resources for their role.

Ready to Begin Your Quality Journey?

Join the national movement supporting authentic Montessori practice
and Montessori teacher training excellence across Australia.

Program Information

info@montessori.org.au

Montessori Australia

5-6/50 Gateway Drive
Noosaville QLD 4566

Apply Now for MQ:AP


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