• Child Development
• Child Protection
• Behaviour Management
• Health and Safety
• Arts and Crafts
• The role of the Special Needs Assistant
• Disabilities Studies
• Communications
• Equal Opportunities

This course is designed for those people who are working, or planning to work, with children with special needs as a special needs assistant, in a paid or voluntary capacity, or in a crèche, playschool or day centre for children or adults with special needs

• Meet the training needs of those working or volunteering as Special Needs Assistant.
• Develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of the Special Needs Assistant
• Promote good practice amongst those working with special needs children in the primary or secondary classroom situation, crèche, playschool or day care centre for children or adults with special needs

Certificate in Special Needs Assistant Training (The College of Progressive Education in association with Froebel College of Education)

Component Certificate in Special Needs Assisting FETAC Level 5

Component Certificate in Understanding Special Needs FETAC Level 5

No specific entry requirements. Minimum age is17 Years.
Learners must also be capable of undertaking assessment work to Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate 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.

(Please note that the Dept. of  Education and science has minimum education requirements for permanent positions)

Applicants should also indicate how they plan to obtain their work experience during the course if they are not already working in the area.

Learners must complete a minimum of 30 hours working in a special needs supervised setting with children under the age of 18.  These hours may, but do not have to be, in a school setting.  Work experience may be undertaken in a paid or voluntary capacity.

Continuous assessment method based on the following: portfolio, project, assignments, and diary of work experience.

Six months (approx), with two compulsory Saturday workshops, held in Dublin City Centre.

• Special Needs Assistant FETAC Level 6
• Youth studies
• Advanced Certificate in the Montessori Method of Education
• Advanced Certificate in Child Psychology (4-18 years) FETAC Level 6
• Other FETAC Level 5 Childcare Component Certificates
• Advanced Certificate in Supervision in Childcare FETAC Level 6

Special Needs Assistant in a primary or secondary school, crèche or day care centre.