Happy Start Montessori Pre-School is a privately owned early years service. It was founded in 1981 by Rosemarie Downey who established a reputation for excellence in supporting each child's independence, confidence and holistic development. The Montessori came under new management in 2017 and continues to build upon this foundation to deliver the highest quality care and education for all children.
We operate under the ECCE scheme from the beginning of September to the end of June the following year. The scheme is offered for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, 38 weeks of the year.
Our service offers two morning sessions and one afternoon session.
  • Morning Session  One:  9.00am - 12.00pm
  • Morning Session Two:   9.30am - 12.30pm
  • Afternoon Session:        1.00pm - 4.00pm

Our Team

Ciara Dolan

Ciara has been the Owner/Manager of Happy Start Montessori since August 2017. She has a BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Care and Education and a certificate in Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years.
 

Marie Gavigan

Marie started working at Happy Start Montessori in 2000. She has a Fetac Level 6 in Supervision in Childcare and a Level 5 certificate in Special Needs Assistant Training.

Caroline Tierney

Caroline has been at Happy Start Montessori since 2010. She has a Diploma in Montessori Teaching for 3 - 6 years and a Level 5 certificate in Special Needs Assistant Training.
 

Shelley Duffy

Shelley started working at Happy Start Montessori in 2005. She has a Diploma in Montessori Teaching for 3-6 years and a Fetac Level 6 in Supervision in Childcare.

Caroline Maguire

Caroline started working at Happy Start Montessori in 2020. She has a Fetac Level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education.
 

Sonya Davis

Sonya started working in Happy Start Montessori in September 2021. She has a Diploma in Montessori Teaching.