Special Needs Assisting

For courses next start date / enrolment check out this webpage https://www.gti.ie/parttime/courses

Course fee: €220.00
Exam registration fee: €20.00
Total: €240.00

Refunds: No refunds, under any circumstances, are available once a course has commenced.

If you have paid for a course which is subsequently cancelled, you will be notified and a full fee refund will be processed automatically. Refunds if processed are processed on a weekly basis and take approximately 2-3 weeks to present in the applicant bank account.

All other courses must remain viable and be self-financing: therefore a participant will not be permitted to commence a course/module unless the course/module has been paid for in full by the learner prior to commencement.

https://www.gti.ie/parttime/courses/apply/5355

This an optional module for The Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education QQI Level 5 major award.

Course Overview
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the practices and principles underpinning the role of a Special Needs Assistant to enable the learner to work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting capacity.

Course Content

Learners will be able to:
• Explore in the role and responsibilities of the Special Needs Assistant.
• Examine the qualities and skills of an effective Special Needs Assistant.
• Examine relevant legislation in relation to disability.
• Explore the rights of children with disabilities in relation to personal autonomy, participation and decision making.
• Relate effectively and appropriately to children who present with additional needs.
• Use care routines in feeding, toileting and general hygiene.
• Maintain appropriate relationships with children parents, primary carers, teachers and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Work effectively with children who present with disabilities under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assist children with disabilities in a range of activities, ensuring equality of opportunity through working in a safe and professional manner.
• Reflect on personal practice working with children, their parents or guardians and colleagues ensuring that children's individuality is promoted and that their needs are met.

FAQ
Which course is right for me?
Level 5 Special Needs Assisting (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday) addresses the job of the SNA and you will have a look at the law in the area; how to support children’s care Needs in a school setting; and how to put your learning into practice, improving all of the time. This course is beneficial for people who wish to work in education and childcare.

Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (Thursday) covers the way the law has changed to meet the education needs of people with additional needs; it looks at ways to meet those education needs; the course works on developing a positive attitude and better understanding of additional needs; and strategies on how to manage your workload. This course is beneficial for people who wish to work in healthcare; education; and childcare.

Are there exams?
No, there is no exam on any of these courses. They are assessed through written work and tasks that are relevant to the role of meeting additional needs.

Can I go straight to level 6?
Ideally, you will complete level 5 first as no one of these courses replaces the other. Lots of people do all of the courses. Whether you go on to level 6 depends on the level of study you have already covered. If you haven’t done anything at level 5, start at that level. If you have a level 5 or you have been to college, then you would be able to meet the requirements of the level 6 course.

Do I need a placement?
All learners are encouraged to seek out a voluntary placement - a couple of hours a week is fine - in order to apply your learning. It is not compulsory, instead it is an opportunity to prepare you to work as an SNA or in another role meeting people’s additional needs.

Can I do more than one course?
Yes you can. Learners often do sign up for two courses as the content from one helps in their understanding of the other.

FET Credit
Every FET certificate and component specification includes an FET credit value. FET credit is quantified in multiples of 5 FET credits (up to 50 hours of learner effort). Learner effort is based on the time taken by typical learners at the level of the award to achieve the learning outcomes for the award. It includes all learning time involved including: guided learning hours, self-directed learning and assessment.

https://www.qqi.ie/sites/docs/AwardsLibraryPdf/5N1786_AwardSpecifications_English.pdf

Project support is available to students from their tutor.

5N1786 Special Needs Assisting

Course Name- Special Needs Assisting QQI 5N1786
Award: QQI Minor Award Level 5 in Special Needs Assisting

This an optional module for The Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education QQI Level 5 major award.

Viable courses:
For a course to commence, it is necessary to enrol a minimum number of participants. If this number is not reached, the course will be cancelled.

Course deferral:
Once a course commences, participants may not defer their place on that course to another term.

Transfers policy:
If a participant wishes to transfer to a different course within the same term, a request should be sent by email to info.gti@gretb.ie

Assignments / projects:
Dates for submission of coursework will be provided by the tutor at the beginning of the course. Coursework will not be returned to the participant once submitted for assessment. Therefore, it is advised that a hard copy of all coursework submitted should be retained by the student.

Self-directed learning:
It is the responsibility of the participants to inform themselves as to course content, duration, etc.

Tel: +353 (0)91 581342
Fax: +353 (0)91 589267

info.gti@gretb.ie (Main email)
gtiadulted@gretb.ie (Part-time programme)