This course is designed for learners who are working, or planning to work, with children with special needs as a special needs assistant, in a paid or voluntary capacity, or in a crèche, playschool or day centre for children or adults with special needs. The training when combined with our Level 6 programme provides learners with all the skills they require to secure a role as a Special Needs Assistant in a Primary School. Learners are encouraged to obtain further qualifications in order to stay ahead in the current competitive employment market.

• Child Development

• Child Protection

• Behaviour Management

• Health and Safety

• Art and Craft

• The role of the Special Needs Assistant

• Disability Studies

• Communications

• Equal Opportunities

• Meet the training needs of those working or volunteering as Special Needs Assistant.

• Develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of the Special Needs Assistant

• Promote good practice among those working with special needs children in the primary or secondary classroom situation, crèche, playschool or day care centre for children or adults with special needs

Minimum age is 17 Years

All learners must be fluent English speakers.

Currently the Department of Education and Science stipulates that all those gaining full-time employment in schools must have at least 3 passes at Junior Certificate or equivalent.

Applicants should also indicate how they plan to obtain their work experience during the course if they are not already working in the area.

Learners must be capable of undertaking assessment work to Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate standard.

International learners undertaking this course should have confidence in their English language, reading, writing and comprehension skills and have at least as 5 IELTS score or equivalent.

Certificate in Special Needs Assistant Training (The College of Progressive Education)

Component Certificate in Special Needs Assisting 5N1786 FETAC Level 5

Component Certificate in Children with Additional Needs 5N2396 FETAC Level 5

Learners must complete a minimum of 30 hours working in a special needs setting with children under the age of 18.  These hours may, but do not have to be in a school setting.  Work experience may be undertaken in a paid or voluntary capacity.

Continuous assessment method based on the following: portfolio, project, assignments and diary of work experience.

18 Evenings plus 2 Saturdays (see timetable for details)

• Special Needs Assistant FETAC Level 6

• Youth studies

• Advanced Certificate in the Montessori Method of Education

• Component Certificate in Therapeutic Play FETAC Level 6

• Component Certificate in Child Psychology (4-18 years) FETAC Level 6

• Other childcare FETAC Level 5 Modules

Special Needs Assistant in a primary or secondary school, crèche or day care centre.