Unit 1: Play, Theory and community Child development theories Play skills (theory) Cultural diversity Children with specific special needs The different play needs of children Unit 2: Therapeutic play Therapeutic play theories Therapeutic play activities Creative activities Creative expressive therapies Practical adaptation of toys Play activities and child development Unit 3: Interpersonal skills Communication skills Interpersonal communication Communication techniques in dealing with: Children Adolescents Children with special needs Parents and carers Observational skills

Unit 4: Managing the play environment Identifying group dynamics Planning creative activities for groups of children Facilitating activities Health and safety aspects of the play environment Unit 5: Documentation and planning Childcare policies and procedures Workplace policies and procedures Health, safety and hygiene in the workplace Budgeting Cost and design for a play facility

Component Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills (FETAC Level 6)
Advanced Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills (The College of Progressive Education)

This course is designed to provide the learner with extended knowledge of play skills for children and adolescents. It provides the learner with a further understanding of interpersonal communication skills.

• Enable learners to acquire the theoretical background to therapeutic play
• Develop an awareness of interpersonal communcation
• Manage and provide planning and preparation for group work
• Enable learners to work effectively as a facilitator with children and adolescents

To meet the standard required for this course learners should have their Leaving Certificate or a FETAC Level 5 Certificate or equivalent.  Course work and assignments will be based on skills practiced in the work place.

Minimum age is 17 years. Learners must also be capable of undertaking assessment work at Level 6 standard.  International learners undertaking this course should have confidence in their English language, reading, writing and comprehension skills and have at least a 5 IELTS score or equivalent.

Learners will need to complete at least 25 hours work experience for this programme.

Project - 40%
Assignment - 30%
Skills Demonstration - 30%

Additional, relevant FETAC Level 6 modules
Further and higher education opportunities

Working/supervising in a crèche, play group, out of school care setting, special needs setting