Skip to main content

Special Needs Assistant

Lifelong Learning
6N1957

The aim of this Special Needs Assistant course is to enable learners to build the skills, knowledge and competencies required to assist children with special educational needs.

Award Name Level 6 Component Award (Level 6 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Minor
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 6 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 6 Component Award (Level 6 NFQ) Minor QQI Level 6 NFQ
Location:
Bray
Attendance Options:
Part time, Online or Distance
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

Learners have 12 weeks to complete the course.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites
• Level 5 Certificate / Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) or relevant life experience detailed in a current Curriculum Vitae.
• Work experience is no longer a requirement to complete this course.
• As this NFQ level 6 qualification is delivered through English it is necessary learners will have sufficient written English skills to complete this course.
• Learners must be a resident of Ireland / based in Ireland.
• A basic working knowledge of computers in addition to a computer with internet access and word processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word or Google Docs) is required to do the course.

For technical requirements required to access CMIT eLearning please see Provider's website. For more details on the suitability of this course please see Provider's website.

Careers / Further progression

Transfer and Progression to Further Studies
• This Special Needs Assistant course leads to a Level 6 component award on the National Framework of Qualifications.

• Students who successfully complete this programme may use this level 6 component certificate as credit towards the following QQI Major Award: Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education (6M2007). For more details contact us.

Course Web Page

Further information

Start date: Any time and work at your own pace.

€295

QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assistant course (6N1957)
Course Details
This tutor-supported eLearning, QQI accredited course means that Students can study this Special Needs Assistant course flexibly at home, or at work, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification.

The aim of this Special Needs Assistant course is to enable learners to build the skills, knowledge and competencies required to assist children with special educational needs.

The programme will ensure that learners:
(1) understand the role of the SNA, the difference between Integration and Inclusion and legislation relating to SNA in Ireland,

(2) can understand and apply theories and curriculum models which relate to SNA; interventions, assistance and supports; behaviour management and learning opportunities in order to promote independence and responsibility,

(3) understand Individual Educational Plans, their role, and the importance of the Multi-disciplinary team in devising Individual Education Plans, and

(4) can identify and apply skills required to implement Special Needs curriculum; and strategies for dealing with Stressors within the work place.

Who should complete this course?
• Aspiring Special Needs Assistants: The course is aimed at individuals who wish to pursue a career as a Special Needs Assistant in various educational settings, including childcare providers, primary schools, or secondary schools.
• Current Educators and Childcare Workers: It is also suitable for teachers, childcare workers, and supervisors who are already working with children with special needs and are looking to enhance their qualifications and skills.
• Flexible Learners: The course is designed for people who desire an accredited qualification and prefer to study at their own pace and time, offering 24×7 access to CMIT eLearning for the duration of the course.
• Career Development: This course leads to a Level 6 component award on the National Framework of Qualifications, making it beneficial for those looking to progress in their educational career.
• Further Educational Opportunities: Successful completion of the course may allow students to use the Level 5 component certificate as credit towards a QQI Major Award.

Topics covered in this Special Needs Assistant course.

Unit 1: Introduction to SNA
• What is Special Needs Assisting?
• Types of special education needs
• The difference between integration and inclusion
• Current legislation relating to special needs
• Educational options for people with special educational needs
• Terminology

Unit 2: SNA curriculum and interventions
• Theories and curriculum models
• Interventions, aids and supports
• Behaviour management
• Learning opportunities in order to promote independence and responsibility

Unit 3: Individual Educational Plans
• Individual Educational Plans
• Examples of IEPs
• The importance of the multi-disciplinary team in devising individual education plans

Unit 4: Personal skill development
• Skills required to implement special needs curriculum
• Strategies for dealing with stressors within the workplace

• This Special Needs Assistant course is assessed through completion of two assessments.

• As part of our quality assurance, student assessment work will be marked by an Internal Assessor, then checked by an Internal Verifier and an independent QQI External Authenticator.

6N1957 - Special Needs Assisting

Tel: 01 286 5783
Email: info@cmit.ie

Location:
Bray
Attendance Options:
Part time, Online or Distance
Apply to:
Course provider