Course Aims and Opportunities
- This programme aims develop participants’ understanding, competence and skills to work as effective Special Needs Assistants and support the classroom teacher in implementing the national curriculum and Individual Education Plans for those who present with special education needs.
- Participants will learn appropriate care and behaviour management techniques, interventions and learning activities in assisting the individual with special educational needs in the learning environment.
- Concepts such as integration, inclusion, independence and responsibility, as well as the importance of personal attitudes and beliefs in providing for the care and education of those with special needs will be explored.
- Participants will benefit from practical experience of working in settings with people with a range of additional needs and will demonstrate skills and competence in providing for their education and care.
Career Progression Opportunities
- Learners could pursue career opportunities as Special Needs Assistants in the early years’ sector, primary or second level schools. Course tutors are highly qualified and experienced practitioners in this vocational field and will aim to support students’ career progression.
- Successful candidates may use the Level 6 credit towards completing a QQI Major Award, e.g., Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education 6M2007, etc.
Entry Requirements / Prerequisites
- Learners will already have attained the skills, knowledge or competence related to NFQ level 5 or equivalent in a relevant field. This may have been through a formal qualification or for mature students through relevant life or work experience. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required, e.g. IELTS 6.
- Learners will have a considered interest in advancing and contributing within this vocational area and will have the capacity to work autonomously, take responsibility for others and assist others in identifying learning needs.
- As part of course assessment students are required to carry out practical demonstrations in an appropriate workplace. Candidates must ensure they have necessary permissions and agreement to oversee their practical work. Garda Vetting is required – please request information and forms.
- All potential participants on the programme will be asked to meet with course coordinators to ensure they have sufficient information, prior skills levels and necessary supports for a successful learning experience.
Overview of Course Content… Candidates will:
- Evaluate provision of education for people with special educational needs with reference to current legislation.
- Assess the various educational options available in Ireland for people with special educational needs.
- Examine the relevant theories, skills and processes relevant to curriculum implementation.
- Explore the differences between integration and inclusion.
- Organise learning opportunities in order to promote independence and responsibility.
- Evaluate the importance of the multidisciplinary team in devising Individual Education Plans.
- Analyse the skills needed to aid the teacher in the administration of the national curriculum.
- Assess interventions and behaviour management techniques that may be used in the learning environment.
- Manage meaningful activities suited to people’s needs and connect with their experiences and interests in the learning environment:
- Identify strategies for dealing with stressors within the work place.
- Assist in the provision of education and care for individuals that present with special educational needs.
- Reflect on own attitudes, values, beliefs and assumptions in relation to working with and on behalf of people who present with special educational needs.
Assessment
Learners understanding of course content is assessed through:
- Project 50%: Candidates will research and demonstrate knowledge of the context and current overall education provision for people with special educational needs in Ireland. They will also research a specific additional need of interest and analyse current provision for children with that particular need. The project will also examine the role and skills of the SNA, the issues and stresses of the role and strategies for dealing with them.
- Skills Demonstration 50%: Professionally presented evidence demonstrating the required understanding, skills and competence to conduct observations and a needs/strengths analysis on a child with special education needs and based on this to plan, implement and evaluate two learning activities which address the needs and/or build on the strengths of the child. To include reflection on how beliefs, values and attitudes affect how we behave and work with people with special educational needs.
Accreditation
On successful completion of the programme you will receive QQI Component Certificate in Special Needs Assisting (6N1957) at Level 6.
Fee
€575 including assessment, certification fees and course materials