Special Needs Assisting - Community Health Services
This Level 5 Major Award enables the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and competence to work under supervision in a range of community health service settings & school settings or to progress to further and/or higher education and training.
| 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
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum:
• Applicants must be 16+ 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 (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional
• Good numerical, interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Experience working or volunteering in an inclusive educational environment is an advantage but not essential.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the employment opportunities?
On successful completion employment may be gained in Primary Schools, Post-Primary Schools and Third Level Colleges working as a Classroom Assistant, a Special Needs Assistant and/or a Personal Assistant.
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
Further information
Start date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
Learn the skills to work with children and their families, maintaining a healthy and safe environment to support the development of the child through play and a variety of other activities.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
What will I study?
Care Provision & Practice (5N2705)
Care Support (5N0758)
Communications Level 5 (5N0690)
Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652)
Person Centred Focus on Disability (5N1728)
Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)
Understanding Special Needs (5N1709)
Word Processing (5N1358)
(Not delivered in Killarney)
Work Experience (5N1356)
5M4468 - Community Health Services
Kerry College - Listowel Campus
Unit 1, Listowel Business Development Centre,
Listowel Business Park,
Clieveragh,
Listowel
Co. Kerry.
V31PC79
t: (068) 22655
e: listowel@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm