SNA with Early Learning & Care
This one year, full time programme is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to work as a Special Needs Assistant in a variety of educational settings.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Standard minimum entry requirements on all courses
• Applicants must be 17+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English required.
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
• A QQI Level 5 award is a prerequisite to access a Level 6 programme.
Careers / Further progression
Progression To Degrees
Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including:
Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including:
DKIT Early Childhood Studies Level 8
DKIT Social Care Level 8
NUIG Early Childhood Studies and Practice Level 8
TU Dublin Early Childhood Care and Education Level 8
DCU Early Childhood Education Level 8
DCU Education and Training Level 8 b
Career Opportunities
Graduates can progress to employment in a wide range of settings across the public and private sector, both in Ireland and abroad such as:
Special Needs Assistant | Early Years Educator | Preschool Educator | Montessori Teacher | Aims Support Worker | Afterschool Teacher| Childminding | Au Pair | Summer Camp Facilitator.
Further information
PLC Courses begin in September 2026.
Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
A mature applicant route is available for those who don’t meet the minimum educational requirements. To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on January 1st of the year the course starts. We look forward to meeting at monthly Mature Student Coffee Meetings.
New Low Course Fees for 2026
All courses now have a low course registration fee of €30. Make sure to confirm your place on a course by paying your registration fee.
PLC MAINTENANCE GRANT (SUSI)
SUSI grants are available to eligible students attending full-time approved courses at OFI. Please visit www.susi.ie for eligibility criteria.
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (BTEA)
BTEA allows qualifying persons getting certain social welfare payments to get a back to education payment while participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
SOLAS FUND FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
FSD provides funding to support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions and special needs attending further education courses. To access supports, students are required to declare their disability and provide documentation confirming their additional need. This fund is administered by SOLAS and is disbursed on the basis of applications made by OFI on behalf of qualifying students
Laptop Loan Scheme
All students can apply for the laptop loan scheme. This provides students with the use of a high specification device for the duration of the academic year for a very low refundable deposit. This scheme ensures students have access to a digital device and the opportunity for success.
Sports Scholarships
How to Apply
Students who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year must complete an online Application Form in October 2026. Application forms will be available on our of.ie website. For any further information please contact Martin Corey on the email below.
Email: mcorey.ofi@lmetb.ie
Interviews are held in March/ May/August with places offered on a first come basis
Apply online using the 'Application Weblink' above.
Online application process opens on 1st January. Ensure you apply as soon as possible.
Interview - Shortlisting process
Interviews are held in March/May/August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
College Place - Secure your place
You will be notified of your offer by email and post. Confirm your place by paying your registration fee of €30.
Course Description
This one year, full time programme is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to work as a Special Needs Assistant in a variety of educational settings.
Learners will have the opportunity to gain work experience in an Early Years Setting, working and caring for children, aged 0-6 years, with a variety of needs. Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be qualified to work as an SNA in Early Years settings such as creches, pre-schools but also in primary and secondary schools.
Certification: 5M21473 QQI Level 5 SNA With Early Learning & Care
▪ Special Needs Assisting
▪ Professional Practice Placement in ELC
▪ Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
▪ Early Childhood Growth and Development
▪ Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
▪ Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
▪ Holistic Care of Children(birth to six years)
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care (Stage 1 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care.
Ó Fiaich Institute of FE
Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 WK75
Tel: 042 933 1398
Email: info@ofi.ie