Classroom Assistant - Special Needs Assistant
This is a one year specialist course training students to work as Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) in Pre school, Primary and Secondary School Classrooms.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Emergency First Response |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Emergency First Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
A student seeking entry to this programme does not need a previous formal qualification. However, the student must demonstrate at interview the capacity to successfully participate on this programme. This includes both the academic and work experience elements of the programme. Should the student have previous qualifications, one of the following may be advantageous for admission to the programme:
- Leaving Certificate/LCA
- QQI Level 4 Award
- Mature applicants welcome
- Interview
- If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English assessment
- Students who may not have formal academic requirements but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered. (RPL Recognition of Prior Learning)
Note: For the purposes of Work Experience placements, students must be 18 years and over by the 31st October in year of entry
Applicants should note that some of the practical work on this course requires some physical effort. Consequently, students with any back problems or other injuries or conditions should discuss this matter with the course co-ordinator at enrolment.
Garda Vetting Required: Yes.
Careers / Further progression
Careers/Progression
This is a one year specialist course training students to work as Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) in Pre school, Primary and Secondary School Classrooms. Primary and Secondary Schools as well as specialist schools employ Special Needs Assistants to work in a variety of educational settings.
Students may also use this course to progress to participating Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme. Some past students have gone on to Education, Social Science, Social Care & Psychology degrees.
Use this course code 5M4468 to see progression routes via Careers Portal https://careersportal.ie/courses/cao_fetac_links.php
Further information
Start Date: September 2026.
Registration Fee: €100 / Course Materials: €50.
Student Grants
Eligible students can apply for a SUSI Grant to assist with course costs. Please contact SUSI.ie for further information.
View https://www.cathalbrughafet.ie/general-information for other grants and supports.
Apply online. Please see "Application Weblink" above.
Classroom Assistant/Special Needs Assistant (North Strand Campus).
How Will I Learn?
You will have a mixture of classroom-based subjects, mandatory work placement and independent study. You will be expected to complete assignments throughout the year. Course work will consist of a combination of onsite & online learning.
Certificate
• QQI Level 5 Award in Community Health Services 5M4468
• Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) (Formerly First Aid)
Care Provision & Practice
Care Skills
Human Growth & Development
Special Needs Assisting
Intellectual Disability Studies
Communications
Work Experience
Understanding Special Needs
Infection Prevention & Control
Please note the components listed above may vary occasionally.
A full Award is granted on passing the relevant eight components. You will be assessed throughout and at the end of the year (Continuous Assessment). On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction grade.
5M4468 - Community Health Services
North Strand Campus
171 North Strand Road, Dublin 1, D01 Y160
T: 01 855 7116
F: 01 855 4064
Enquiries: andrea.forrester@kmcfe.cdetb.ie