Special Needs Assisting
This course allows learners to gain employment as Special Needs Assistants in a range of settings including creches, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and working with adults with intellectual disabilities.
| 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
2 years, part-time for the full award. Students will receive a QQI component certificate at the end of the first year.
Entry Requirements
-Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied Programme, QQI Level 4 full major award or equivalent.
-Work/life experience may be acceptable for mature students.
-Students should be 16 years old or over at the start of the course.
-Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject area and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
-Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B1 or higher).
-Garda vetting clearance is required for all students taking this course.
-Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements should make direct contact with the College to explore their application on an individual basis.
Careers / Further progression
Career Options
The course is especially suited for learners who wish to gain employment as Special Needs Assistants in a creche, primary school, secondary school, special school or working with adults with intellectual disabilities.
Third Level Progression
This course allows progression to a number of courses including:
- Early Childhood Care and Education TU790 & TU989, Applied Social Care TU997 and other degree programmes in TU Dublin-Tallaght accept this award.
- A number of degrees in UCD accept this award including Social Sciences DN700, Psychology DN720 and Social Policy and Sociology DN750.
- TU Dublin- City Centre Campus accept this course on the Social Care TU996 programme.
There are many more opportunities for college progression.
Please contact admin@greenhillscollege.ie with any queries.
Further information
Commences in Late Aug/Early September
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, DDLETB have implemented a significant reduction in fees for all domestic (EU, EEA, Stamp 4) students undertaking a PLC course in the 2024-2025 academic year.
The only fee payable for full-time and part-time courses in this academic year is: Non-refundable Deposit €50
All other charges including course-specific fees have been waived for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Non-EEA students: Non-EEA nationals should contact the college for details of entry requirements and fees.
* Fees are subject to change. Check with the College for the latest details on fees.
Funding Schemes
There are several funding schemes available for eligible students, including:-
VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme)
BTEI (Back to Education Initiative)
SUSI Grant
Applications are open for 2024/2025 academic year. Application for all courses is online on the www. greenhillscollege.ie website (Application weblink above). Where courses are full, learners may be placed on a waiting list and allocated places as they become available.
Modules
2024-2025
Work Experience 5N1356
Intellectual Disability Studies 5N1652
Special Needs Assisting 5N1786
Care Provision & Practice 5N2705
2025-2026
Human Growth & Development 5N1279
Safety & Health at Work 5N1794
Social Studies 5N1370
Communications 5N0690
5M2786
Certification
NFQ Level 5 award made by QQI Community Care 5M2786.
Phone: 01 450 7779
Email: admin@greenhillscollege.ie