Certificate in Special Needs Assisting QQI 5 (5N1786)
The Special Needs Assistant Certificate is a part-time evening course suited to anyone who has an interest in Special Needs Education, whether to pursue it as a career or use the knowledge for personal or family reasons.
It is also suitable for participants who want to support a child with learning difficulties in education.
This certified minor award will equip you with the knowledge, skill and competency in the practices and principles underpinning the role of Special Needs Assistant, enabling you to work effectively under direction in a special needs capacity as part of a Major Award in a related area.
Learners will be required to obtain Garda Clearance and complete 30 hours of work experience in a school setting.
Course Content
- Unit 1: Context of Special Needs
- Unit 2: Good Practice
- Unit 3: Relating to People with Special Needs
- Unit 4: Relating to Other Stakeholders
- Unit 5: Special Needs Assisting Skills
Assessment
This course is assessed through a number of assignments:
- Skills Demonstration – 60%
- 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. The learner will be marked by their supervisor and must give a description of the tasks they were involved in.
- Learner Record – 40%
Learners are required to compile a learner record drawn from the experiences and challenges they faced during their work placement.
It must include reflections on their experiences and challenges, an examination of the values associated with working in the special needs environment, and identification of their personal learning and development.