Expand+Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

•Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.

•Students must be competent in both written and spoken English.

•As part of the assessment...

Hide-Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

•Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.

•Students must be competent in both written and spoken English.

•As part of the assessment criteria for this course students will need to carry out practical demonstrations, all candidates who enrol for this course must gain a work placement in an environment that is related to the course topic and that they will have the agreement from a supervisor/manager in the work place to oversee their practical work. The minimum amount of time that a learner must complete over the 3 modules is 90 hours which must be completed over the duration of all the three modules.

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

•If you take this course by distance learning the course material will be posted to you. You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.

•If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.

Expand+Accreditation

•Following successful completion you will receive the following QQI component Certificates: Special Needs Assisting (5N1786), Children with Additional Needs (5N2396) and Special Needs Assistant (6N1957).

•QQI (Quality & Qualificat...

Hide-Accreditation

•Following successful completion you will receive the following QQI component 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. Click here for details of the National Framework of Qualifications.

Expand+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...

Hide-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.

Expand+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 chi...

Hide-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.

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.

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.