Special Needs Assistant
Do you want to assist and help people reach their potential? Join our Special Needs Assistant programme and develop the core skills and competencies to support people with a range of additional needs in an inclusive and equitable manner.
| 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
- Leaving Certificate or its equivalent is advised
- Mature students are welcome to apply. Work/life experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
After completing our Special Needs Assistant programme, graduates will be qualified to support the learning environment of children attending different education settings, particularly in primary and post-primary schools. Our graduates provide essential support to students with special needs and help them to reach their potential in a safe and inclusive environment. This support can range from assisting students with their daily activities, such as getting dressed and eating meals, to helping them to learn and communicate effectively.
Special Needs Assistants play a crucial role in the education system, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in this field. Our programme will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in various education settings, including mainstream, special, and resource schools. You will be able to support children with a range of additional needs, such as physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and behavioural or emotional disorders.
Progression
Graduates who achieve the required standard may progress to further studies in Institutes of Technology and Universities. Examples of progression courses include:
- DIT, DT571 Social Care
- DIT, DT572 Early Childhood Education
- IT Blanchardstown, BN118 Early Childhood Education
Further information
Applications for September 2024 Now Open.
SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved full-time third-level education in Ireland and also, in some cases, funding for students studying outside of Ireland. Support is available to all types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education. www.susi.ie
1. Choose Your Course
To help choose your course:
- Visit our Programme Advisory Video on our website
- Read this prospectus or visit our website
- Visit the College (Advisory Meetings, Open Days, College Awareness Week)
- Talk to our Guidance Counsellor or Course Coordinator
2. Make Your Application:
When you have decided on your course(s) you should:
- Complete our online application form. You must have a valid email address, mobile number, and your PPSN number to apply online.
- All applications are acknowledged through our online Enrol system. The status of your application can be tracked 24/7 by logging into your Enrol account, which is created for you when you first apply.
3. Advisory Meeting
- Soon after making your online application you will receive an email and text from the College inviting you to view our online Information Session, or attend one of our regular Open Advisory Meetings where any questions can be answered in person.
- Admission to courses are advisory in nature, though some entry criteria apply to all our courses. Leaving Cert/Leaving Cert Applied or its equivalent is normally a requirement, though the College can look at individual cases where criteria may not be met. The advisory meeting also ensures that mature students (over 23) are matched to the right course.
- Following this session/advisory meeting, you will receive an email with details on how to accept your place on the course.
4. Accept Your Place
When you decide to accept your place:
- A non-refundable deposit of €50 can be made by credit or debit card through the Website. The College is a cashless centre and will not normally accept cash or cheques. If you have any issues making your payment please contact the college.
5. Registration and Induction
- Induction and orientation sessions take place at the commencement of courses in September.
- The College will notify applicants of induction and commencement dates, details of fees and the academic calendar.
Do you want to assist and help people reach their potential? Join our Special Needs Assistant programme and develop the core skills and competencies to support people with a range of additional needs in an inclusive and equitable manner. Graduates from this programme work in a range of settings, such as primary and post-primary education and well-case community and care homes. The purpose of this award is to develop the core skills and competencies needed to support people with a range of additional needs in an inclusive and equitable manner. Our graduates provide essential support to students with special needs and help them to reach their potential in a safe and inclusive environment.
Core Modules:
Communications
Work Experience
Human Growth & Development
Equality and Disability
School Age Childcare
Special Needs Assisting
Early Childhood Education and Play
Person Centred Focus to Disability
Modules offered may be subject to change due to resource demands.
Work Experience
A period of work experience is incorporated in this programme.
5M4468 - Community Health Services
Certification: QQI Level 5 Community Health Services - Code 5M4468.
Dundrum College of Further Education,
Dundrum Main Street,
Dundrum,
Dublin 14,
D14 HD83
Email: info@dcfe.ie
Tel: +353 1 298 5412