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Special Needs Assistant - Combined Level 5 & 6

Lifelong Learning
5N1786 5N2396 6N1957
Award Name Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Minor
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 5 NFQ
Award Name Level 6 Component Award (Level 6 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Minor
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 6 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) Minor QQI Level 5 NFQ
Level 6 Component Award (Level 6 NFQ) Minor QQI Level 6 NFQ
Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin 18
Attendance Options:
Part time, Online or Distance
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
NFQ Credit Value: 45 Credits

Duration

This QQI Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Combined course is completed through Distance Learning Course and there are no lectures to attend.

Students can complete this combined course within 24 weeks (8 weeks per module) which is ample time and can start it at any time of the year that is convenient. If students need to extend this period for any reason during or near the end of the course they can request an extension through the college.

Live Online tutor-led support sessions (weekly).

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:
Level 4 Award or equivalent in a relevant subject area (Childcare / Special Needs) and/or relevant practical experience (3 years minimum) – Please ask about our requirements surrounding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for entry.

Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt from the above prerequisites.

As part of this combined programme, Learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (minimum 20 hours). This must be in a recognised educational environment (e.g. primary school). You must be either working or have access to a suitable setting where you can complete these 20+ hours (this can be on a voluntary basis).

English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information.

Garda Vetting is required for all Childcare placements and students can apply for this through The Open College. Please ask for details.

Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, broadband, email, Microsoft, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.

As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.

Careers / Further progression

Progression to further Studies:
• This course leads to a level 6 award (Minor) on the National Framework of Qualifications.

• Students who successfully complete this programme may use these credits towards completing a QQI Major award in Early Childhood Care and Education.

Course Web Page

Further information

Students can start this course at any time of the year that is convenient.

Special offer only: €790 or
Easy Payments of – €265.00 per month over 3 months with our unrivalled Easy Payment Plans. Enrol using your Debit / Credit Card or call us on (+353) 1 206 1828 to avail of this offer.

Course fee includes all documentation, lecturing, supervised exams, learner registration and QQI certification fees. No other hidden accreditation or certification fees to pay!

Apply via our website (see "Application Weblink" below).

Course Description
This fully online QQI Level 5 & 6 Combined Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Course is designed to meet the training needs of those working or volunteering as a Special Needs Assistant. The course aims to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of the Special Needs Assistant and promote good practice among those working in the primary or secondary classroom situation, crèche, playschool, day care centre for children or adults with special needs.

Included in this specially combined SNA course are key QQI components at levels 5 & 6:

QQI Special Needs Assistant (5N1786) – Level 5
QQI Children with Additional (5N2396) – Level 5 and
QQI Special Needs Assisting (6N1957) – Level 6

Course documentation for this course is detailed, comprehensive and easy to read. This distance learning QQI accredited course means that students can study flexibly at home, or at work, while gaining an Internationally Recognised Qualification.

Students receive a comprehensive Course Manuals, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.

General Aims:
•Meet the training needs of those working or volunteering as an Special Needs Assistant (SNA).
•Develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of the SNA.
•Promote good practice amongst those working with special needs children in a classroom situation and promote positive attitudes to individuals with disabilities.
•Provide an understanding of the statutory framework applying to those with special needs.
•Provide a basis for further study and career development.

Course Description
This QQI Level 5 & 6 Combined Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Course is designed to meet the training needs of those working or volunteering as a Special Needs Assistant. The course aims to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of the Special Needs Assistant and promote good practice among those working in the primary or secondary classroom situation, crèche, playschool, day care centre for children or adults with special needs.

Included in this specially combined SNA course are key QQI components at levels 5 & 6:
1.QQI Special Needs Assistant (5N1786) – Level 5
2.QQI Children with Additional (5N2396) – Level 5 and
3.QQI Special Needs Assisting (6N1957) – Level 6

Course documentation for this course is detailed, comprehensive and easy to read. This distance learning QQI accredited course means that students can study flexibly at home, or at work, while gaining an Internationally Recognised Qualification.

Students receive a comprehensive Course Manuals, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.

Who should complete this course?
•People who wish to pursue a career in Childcare or as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA).
•People looking to gain a QQI Level 5 or Level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education.

Topics covered across the three QQI modules include:
• Context of Special Needs
• Good Practice
• Relating to people with Special Needs
• Relating to other Stakeholders
• Special Needs Assisting Skills
• History of special needs services in Ireland
• Current legislation summary of main points
• International policy to children with special needs.
• Physical Special Needs – Diagnosis, Treatment, Associated Conditions, Implications for the child and their family.
• Learning Disabilities – Diagnosis, Treatment, Associated Conditions, Implications for the child and their family.
• Language used in relation to special needs.
• What support is available locally and nationally
• The role of the Special Needs Assistant
• Role of the multidisciplinary team
• Description of different learning and therapy programmes
• Key elements – Good practice: Confidentiality & Independence
• Provision of education under current legislation
• Education Options for people with special needs
• Theories, skills and processes relevant to curriculum implementation
• Differences between integration and inclusion
• Learning opportunities in order to promote independence and responsibility
• Individual Education Plan
• Skills needed to aid the teacher
• Behaviour management techniques
• Manage meaningful activities that are 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.

This course is assessed through a number of assignments which students must complete to demonstrate their understanding of various topics. Please see each QQI componet award for further details –

QQI Special Needs Assistant (5N1786) – Level 5,
QQI Children with Additional (5N2396) – Level 5 and QQI Special Needs Assisting (6N1957) – Level 6.

Grading
Pass 50 – 64%
Merit 65 – 79%
Distinction 80 – 100%

5N1786 Special Needs Assisting
5N2396 Children with Additional Needs
6N1957 Special Needs Assistant

Accreditation
Following successful completion you will receive one certificate which lists all 3 QQI components certificates: Special Needs Assisting (5N1786), Children with Additional Needs (5N2396) and Special Needs Assistant (6N1957).

QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. The Open College is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.

The Learning Centre,
Leopardstown,
Dublin 18.
Tel: 01 206 1828
Email: info@theopencollege.com

Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin 18
Attendance Options:
Part time, Online or Distance
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
NFQ Credit Value: 45 Credits