Special Needs Assistant - Intellectual Disability Practice
This full-time course prepares students to work as a Special Needs Assistant in pre-school and primary school settings. It is suitable for both school-leavers and for experienced mature persons seeking a formal qualification.
| 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
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Leaving Certificate/ Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent.
- Successful completion of interview.
- Written references.
- Applicants will be required to undertake Garda vetting. International students must also provide Police vetting from the country/countries where they have previously lived.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
The full QQI Level 5 Certificate facilitates entry, on a competitive basis, to a range of third-level institutions nationwide and QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Social Care, QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Childcare and QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assistant. Further details are available from the relevant institutions, and/or on the QQI website www.qqi.ie.
Specific progression links are available with WIT and IT Carlow for this course.
Career Prospects
Primary Schools - Special Needs Assistant
Pre-School - Special Needs Assistant
Personal Assistant
Second Level Schools - Special Needs Assistant
Out of School Projects
Back to School Projects
Further information
Start Date: 28/08/2024. End Date: 30/05/2025.
Applicants who present with school leaving examinations other than the Leaving Certificate will be assessed on the basis of accepted equivalence tables.
Mature / Adult Students with no formal qualifications are welcome to apply. Mature students are defined as those aged 23 or over at the beginning of the academic year.
Students for whom English is a second language will be required to take and pass an English Language test set by the College.
Students requiring Assistive Technology and/or Personal Support Services as a result of a disability are strongly advised to inform the interview panel of their needs in this area in order to allow for provision of same.
A student services contribution of €200 is payable on registration. The purpose of which is to cover services, materials, and supports including printing, photocopying, library, student cards etc. This is non refundable.
Student Grants
If you think you are eligible for a student grant, you should apply through the website: www.susi.ie
If you have any queries contact 0761 08 78 74 or email: support@susi.ie
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE
If you are unemployed, parenting alone or have a disability and getting certain payments from the Department of Social Protection or signing for credits, you may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Information is available from the Department of Social Protection.
Application Procedures
Waterford College of Further Education does not charge for applications.
A registration / student services contribution of €200 is payable on registration. The purpose of which is to cover services, materials, and supports including printing, photocopying, library, and student cards.
A QQI exam contribution of €50 for Level 5 courses and €80 for level 6 courses is also payable on registration. Students who have a current medical card are exempt from this payment.
Additional costs may be incurred on a course-by-course basis e.g., hairdressing /beauty /dog grooming kits / sports etc. Details are provided on each course page.
The closing date for receipt of applications for the first round of interviews for all courses will be advertised on this site each year – normally mid January.
Please check our website for the closing date for the receipt of applications for the first, second and third round of interviews. Applicants who apply will be called for interview in due course.
Offer of places will be subject to completion of interview and the achievement of the minimum entry requirements.
Applicants will be notified of their interview results in May.
Late applications received are subject to the availability of places, in the summer and early September.
Closing date for receipt of late applications for interviews is Tuesday 31st August.
As places on all courses are limited, application before this date is strongly advised.
Courses commence in early September, but only where sufficient numbers are enrolled.
Only one application form should be submitted. Where more than one application is made, only the most recent will be processed.
Apply online Via CAO website linking to FETCHCOURSES.ie website.
This full-time course prepares students to work as a Special Needs Assistant in pre-school and primary school settings. It is suitable for both school-leavers and for experienced mature persons seeking a formal qualification.
Intellectual Disability Studies
Empowering the Individual
Community Inclusion
Facilitating Learning
Work Experience
Challenging Behaviour
First Aid Response
Patient Manual Lifting and Handling
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCIT)
Teamworking
Human Growth and Development
Work Experience
Work experience placement in a related vocational area is an integral part of this course. Students must obtain one day per week work experience for the academic year. The day will be specified by the College. There will be one week of block placement at the end of the first term.
5M1761 - Intellectual Disability Practice
Waterford College of Further Education,
Parnell Street, Waterford, X91 VKT9.
Tel: (051) 874053
Fax: (051) 870136
Web: www.wcfe.ie
Email: wcfeinfo@wwetb.ie