Special Needs & Classroom Assistant - Primary & Post Primary
This one year course trains students to work as Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to work with children with special educational needs in a variety of educational settings including Primary and Secondary School classrooms and specialist schools. Students completing this course will be able to work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting setting. They will develop skills to assist children in a range of activities, ensuring equality of opportunity through working in a safe and professional manner.
| 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
Entry Requirements
• Leaving Cert or LCA
• Mature students of all backgrounds
• Other equivalent qualification All applicants may be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications.
Careers / Further progression
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates can progress directly to employment in a variety of educational contexts and community care settings. This course qualifies students to work as SNAs in primary and secondary school classrooms or special schools, supporting children in their learning environment.
Alternatively, graduates may progress to further studies in specialist social care, psychology, social studies, and early childhood care and education degree programmes in a range of Universities and Technological Universities.
EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:
TUD Blanchardstown: TU991 Applied Social Studies in Social Care (Level 8, 4 Years) and TU791 Applied Social Studies in Social Care (Level 7, 3 Years)
TUD Blanchardstown: TU989 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 8, 4 Years) and TU790 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 7, 3 Years)
DCU: DC001 Early Childhood Education (Level 8, 4 Years)
DCU: DC209 Health and Society (Level 8, 3 Years)
DCU: DC235 Education and Training (Level 8, 3-4 Years)
Maynooth University: MH101 Arts (Level 8, 3 Years) MH106 Psychology (Level 8, 3 Years)
MH107 Social Science (Level 8, 3 Years)
NCI: NC010 Psychology (Level 8, 3 Years)
SETU Waterford: SE928 Applied Health Care (Level 7, 3 Years)
SETU Waterford: SE919 Social Care Practice (Level 8, 4 Years)
TUS Athlone: US782 Applied Social Studies in Social Care (Level 7, 3 Years)
TUS Athlone: US926 Early Years Care and Education (Level 8, 4 Years)
Further information
MATURE STUDENTS SUPPORT
The college welcomes adults over 23 who wish to return to education and who wish to retrain in new skills and technologies. Our mature learners enjoy the following supports in addition to the overall supports provided to all students:
• Mature student meet and greet before the college year begins.
• A dedicated mature student room where mature students can meet and work with fellow mature students.
• Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the Mature Student room daily.
• A mature student officer available for guidance and support.
• Academic support tailored to ensuring the smooth transition to DCFE.
• Coffee Mornings in the mature student room.
• Guest speakers from past mature learners.
• Career guidance talks tailored to mature links.
• A dedicated induction process for mature entry.
• Workshops in exam study, time management, presentation skills, IT skills, referring and research techniques, etc.
• Basic computer skills workshops.
• Organised social events for mature learners.
• We look forward to welcoming our future mature learners to Dunboyne College.
For all courses in 2024/25, course fees are now a non-refundable €30 administration fee. The course fee must be paid to secure your place, you can pay this fee through our website. More information can be found here.
You can access your application details via the Dunboyne College website (click Login/Pay Fees in the menu at the top of the page) using your ID number and password.
No cash will be accepted at the office. Payments can be made online or by cheque (payable to Dunboyne College of Further Education), by bank draft or by postal order only.
SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students for level 5 and level 6 courses in Dunboyne College of Further Education. For more information visit www.susi.ie
Application Procedure
1. Applications can be made online at www.dunboynecollege.ie. from November 2023 to September 2024.
2. After registering online, students will receive a text and email to notify them they have pre-registered and can log in to view and track their application.
Applications now open
Apply online www.dunboynecollege.ie
Once we receive your application we will email you requesting:
Photograph Reference Interviews
Recent academic results Personal Statement
Interview
All applicants will be interviewed. Some additional requirements may apply depending on your course choice.
When you receive an offer please confirm it by the deadline.
3. Applicants will be notifi ed by text and email of a request to upload further information for their application:
(i). Copy of most recent school report or examination results
(ii). Reference from teacher, employer or coach.
(iii). 100-word personal statement on
“Why this course is right for me,” which should outline reasons for choosing the course.
(iv) Photograph
4. Interviews will take place for all courses.
5. Successful applicants will then be able to complete the registration process.
6. Late applicants can apply online for vacant places at any time until the end of September 2024.
7. A grant can be applied for from www.susi.ie.
8. A separate process for applicants to the Early Learning and Care courses (formerly Childcare courses) applies. Other courses may have additional entry requirements including auditions etc, please refer to the entry requirements for the courses of your choice.
9. Applicants for the Apprenticeships in Hairdressing and Accounting Technician should note that there is a difference system for applying. Please refer to the information listed for these apprenticeships.
10. Applications will be processed in line with DCFE Admission Policy.
They will learn about development and learning in children with special needs and about the role of an SNA and develop the capacity to work and communicate effectively with parents, families, colleagues and other professionals to safeguard, support, and promote children’s learning.
The course is suitable for both school leavers and experienced or mature students seeking a formal qualification.
Course Content
The following modules will be offered in 2023 subject to availability and demand.
• Special Needs Assisting
• Understanding Special Needs
• Human Growth and Development
• Safety and Health at Work
• Care Provision and Practice
• Equality and Disability
• Intellectual Disability Studies
• Work Experience
• Communications
Additional courses which may be available to students include First Aid.
5M2786 - Community Care
Certification
QQI Level in Community Care 5M2786
Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, A86 FH01
Phone: (01) 8026577
Email: DunboyneCollege@LMETB.ie
www.dunboynecollege.ie