Psychology with Special Needs Assisting (SNA)
Are you curious about people and what motivates them?
Do you have an interest in Psychology and would you like to gain knowledge and understanding of this area?
Are you interested in applying psychology theories to the area of Special Needs Assisting in an educational setting and gaining employment as an SNA/ Inclusion Support Assistant?
Would you like to progress to study for a degree?
Yes? Then consider studying for this QQI Level 5 qualification and take your first steps towards a career in this area.
| Award Name | First Aid Response |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level | |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council | ||
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time. 5 Days Mornings Option.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
PROGRESSION TO FURTHER STUDIES
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry to courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Social Care Technological University Dublin [City] - www.tudublin.ie
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education South East Technological University [Waterford] – www.setu.ie
BSc Early Childhood Education Marino Institute of Education - www.mie.ie
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education & Care Technological University Dublin [Blanchardstown & Tallaght] - www.tudublin.ie
BEd in Montessori Education St. Nicholas Montessori College [Dún Laoghaire] - www.smsi.ie
BA in Early Childhood Education Dublin City University - www.dcu.ie
Check out more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart at www.bfei.ie/faqs
Job Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you can pursue employment as an SNA in Primary and Post-Primary Schools.
Further information
Classes will commence in mid-September 2024.
Course Registration takes place in late August.
You will be invited to the College to attend an induction session prior to class commencement.
Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU National, then you should be in compliance with Irish Visa requirements in advance of applying to BFEI.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. It is advisable to apply early as many courses fill up quickly. Other costs (books, kits, optional training etc) vary depending on the course you choose. Specific details regarding costs will be confirmed prior to course commencement
At BFEI, we make every effort to keep charges to a minimum. Information on financial support and eligibility for funding is available from www.studentfinance.ie.
Funding
PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) provides a means-tested maintenance grant scheme for those attending full-time further education courses. Applications are made on-line to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) at www.susi.ie.
BTEA (Back to Education Allowance)
If you are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, ten under the BTEA you may be able to keep your payments while doing a full-time course at BFEI.
See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office.
VTOS (Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme)
If you are unemployed and over 21, then under VTOS, you will be able to do a full-time course at BFEI and retain your social welfare entitlements. VTOS applies to all courses on offer in the Institute, however, early application is advisable as there are a limited number of places which are allocated on a first-come basis. See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details on eligibility or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office. VTOS Application Forms are available from the Institute - see www.bfei.ie
Other Funding Sources
Local Partnerships including Southside, Bray, Northside, and Wicklow Working Together may be able to help you out with some funding if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Ask at your Local Partnership Office.
For September 2024 Intake BFEI is open for applications from Wednesday January 10th 2024. All applications must be made via our website (www.bfei.ie). - View Application Weblink above.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. (non-refundable)
What will I study?
• Human Growth and Development
• Child Development
• Psychology
• Understanding Special Needs
• Special Needs Assisting
• Word Processing
• Communications
• Work Experience
• First Aid Responder (FAR)
Will I do anything additional on the course?
• Career advice and help with CV preparation is provided by the Guidance and Career Service.
• Presentations from Guest Speakers including Psychologists will be provided.
Assessment is based on a combination of assignments and exams.
5M4468 - Community Health Services.
What qualification will I get when I finish the course?
You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
Blackrock Further Education Institute BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Tel: 01 288 9717
email: office@bfei.ie
Web: www.bfei.ie