Special Needs Assisting - SNA
| 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 |
Duration
This QQI Special Needs Assistant (6N1957) course is completed through online eLearning Course and there are no lectures to attend.
Students can complete this course within 8 weeks which is ample time and can start it at any time of the year that is convenient. If students need to extend this period for any reason during or near the end of the course they can request an extension through the college.
Live Online tutor-led support sessions (weekly).
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:
Level 5 Award or equivalent in a relevant subject area (Childcare) and/or relevant practical experience (3 years minimum) – Please ask about our requirements surrounding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for entry.
English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 6 are expected to be able to: fluently read, draft, prepare and understand complex information, including quantitative information, that is personally relevant and reflecting a broad knowledge base. For example, this might include text and other information relating to abstract theoretical ideas, concerns or procedures, such as local planning concerns in relation to broader spatial strategy, political issues in relation to particular agenda, budget plans/ specifications.
Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, broadband, email, Microsoft, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.
As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
Careers / Further progression
Progression to further Studies:
This course leads to a level 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Students who successfully complete this programme may use this Level 6 credit towards completing a Major QQI award in Early Childhood Care and Education 6M2007.
Further information
Students can start this course at any time of the year that is convenient.
Special Offer price: Only – €329.00 or
Easy Payments: Only €165 per month over 2 months with our unrivalled Easy Payment Plans. Enrol using your Debit / Credit Card or call us on (+353) 1 206 1828 to avail of this offer.
Course fee includes all documentation, lecturing, assessments, learner registration and QQI certification fees. No other hidden accreditation or certification fees to pay!
Apply via our website (see "Application Weblink" below).
The purpose of this QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assistant (SNA) online course is to equip the learner with the skills necessary to ensure adults or children with special needs are offered the same opportunity to access education compared to those who do not have special needs. Learners will examine the different educational options available for children in Ireland under current legislation.
This programme will outline the importance of the difference between an inclusive and integrated educational environment. The learner will also study the impact of special needs on behaviour and understand the different techniques to help with maladaptive behaviour. Learners will also understand the importance of stress management.
This distance learning QQI accredited course means that students can study flexibly at home, or at work, while gaining an Internationally Recognised Qualification.
Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.
Who should complete this course?
People who wish to enhance their personal and professional development of the person working within the area of Special Needs Classroom Assistants.
People looking to gain a QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education – 6M2007
Topics covered include:
Provision of education under current legislation:
• Current legislation – summary of main points
• Process of assessment – NEPS report, local SENO
• Summary of aids and help available.
Education Options for people with special needs:
• Access to provisions – SENO
• Educational options
i. Mainstream
ii. Special needs school
iii. Special needs area within mainstream
iv. Home tutoring
v. Special needs preschool
vi. State exam provisions
vii. Resource hours
viii. Special Needs Assistant hours
ix. IEP.
Theories, skills and processes relevant to curriculum implementation:
• In-depth knowledge of different special needs
• Understanding of the multidisciplinary team
• In-depth knowledge of child development theory.
Differences between integration and inclusion:
• Environments willing to change in order to accommodate students with learning or physical differences compared to those who expect students to adapt to their system.
Learning opportunities in order to promote independence and responsibility:
• Importance of independence
• Consequences of a lack of independence
• Learning opportunities based on child’s ability rather than disability
• Making choices
• Personal hygiene and care routines
• Garden projects – individual plants, vegetables.
Individual Education Plan:
• What is an IEP
• Importance if the IEP
• Current issues regarding the National Council for Special Education
• Who is involved in the IEP
• How are goals met
• Shelf life
• Child’s input (promotes independence and sense of agency).
Skills needed to aid the teacher:
• Relationship to the teacher
• Role in the school / preschool environment
• Communication skills
• Working on initiative as well as working with direction.
Behaviour management techniques:
• Conditions associated with Behavioural Difficulties
• Causes of Behavioural Problems
• Withdrawn behaviour
• Aggressive behaviour
• Behaviour Modification.
Manage meaningful activities that are suited to people’s needs and connect with their experiences and interests in the learning environment:
• Importance of alternative communication methodologies
• Understanding of individuals abilities and interests
• Allowing the child to be the active agent in their learning
• Allowing activities which promote independence and confidence.
Identify strategies for dealing with stressors within the work place:
• Stress
i. Impact of stress
ii. Important of stress management
• Highlight the stressors while working with children who have special needs
• Stress management techniques.
Assessment:
This course is assessed through a number of assignments which students must complete to demonstrate their understanding of various topics.
Project 50%
Skills Demonstration 50%
Project:
Learners are required to research and examine the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. They must outline the assessment procedures for the child with a disability as stated under the above bill. As part of the study, they are required to evaluate this process and devise the benefits of the assessment procedure. They must choose a special need to base their project on. The project must be compiled in line with the assessment criteria outlined in briefs that will be issued with the programme.
Skills Demonstration:
This Skills Demonstration is divided into two sections:
• Section 1 – the learner will be required to demonstrate their knowledge with regard to working with those who have a special need.
• Section 2 – the learner will be assessed on the practical elements of working with those who have special needs. For this section the learner will be observed by their supervisor and marked by the tutors through learner journals and reflection diaries in which they must give a detailed description of the tasks they were involved in.
Grading
Pass 50 – 64%
Merit 65 – 79%
Distinction 80 – 100%
6N1957 Special Needs Assisting
Accreditation
Following successful completion you will receive a QQI component Certificate in Special Needs Assisting (6N1957) at Level 6.
QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. The Open College is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.
The Learning Centre,
Leopardstown,
Dublin 18.
Tel: 01 206 1828
Email: info@theopencollege.com