Preschool and Montessori teaching is one of the few teaching careers in Sri Lanka that you can start without a degree. It has its own qualification path, and the choices of course are confusing because dozens of private institutes use similar names. This guide explains the qualifications, what to check before you enrol and how to find work.
What preschool teachers do
Preschool teachers look after and teach children aged roughly 2 to 5. One NVQ Level 4 course describes the job as providing a safe, stimulating environment where children develop language, social, physical and thinking skills. Work happens in preschools, Montessori centres and day care centres.
The main qualification: NVQ Level 4
The usual professional qualification is the National Certificate in Pre School Teacher (Early Childhood Development) at NVQ Level 4. Early childhood education organisations and training institutes describe it as the basic qualification for registering as a preschool teacher with the provincial preschool authority. Confirm the registration requirement with the preschool unit of your province’s education department, because provinces administer it.
Typical features of NVQ Level 4 courses:
- Entry: institutes commonly ask for O/L passes, with 6 passes listed by some. Others accept a related certificate or A/L results.
- Length: from 6 months to 12 months, with a practical or on-the-job period included. Part-time weekend versions exist.
- Fees: they vary widely between institutes, so compare at least 3 before you enrol.
Our NVQ levels guide explains what Level 4 means and how to check accreditation.
Montessori diplomas
Many institutes also teach the Montessori method. Some run a diploma in Montessori method or preschool education, and some offer dual programmes that combine a national preschool diploma with an internationally assured Montessori diploma. Training providers state that their courses are registered with the Children’s Secretariat or accredited by TVEC.
A course’s name doesn’t tell you whether it is accredited, so ask for the registration details. Ask whether it leads to NVQ Level 4 and whether the provincial preschool authority recognises it.
Moving up
Teachers who want to manage or own a centre can study the National Diploma in Preschool Management, offered at NVQ Levels 5 and 6 by TVEC-accredited institutes, usually part-time. Early childhood education organisations also say that preschool teachers with more than 4 years of experience can apply for the NVQ Level 4 assessment directly through recognition of prior learning.
How to find work
- Do your practical or on-the-job placement at a centre you’d like to work in. Centres often hire from their own trainees.
- Apply to Montessori and preschool chains, which advertise across several branches at once.
- Check international schools, which often have early years sections. See teaching jobs at international schools.
- Consider assistant teacher roles first. They give you classroom experience while you finish a qualification.
Prepare a short demonstration activity, such as a story or counting game, because many preschools ask you to run one in the interview. The interview advice in common job interview questions in Sri Lanka applies here too.
Other routes into teaching
Preschool qualifications don’t lead directly into government primary or secondary schools. For those, read how to become a teacher in Sri Lanka and how to apply for National Colleges of Education. Current school vacancies are on our teaching jobs in Sri Lanka page.
About the Author
Prasad Fernando is the CEO of Skysol Solutions and the owner of CareerLK.com and CourseLK.com. A digital creator with hands-on experience building and managing online platforms for Sri Lanka’s job and education sectors.