Special Educational Needs for Special Needs Assistants

Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	SG_ESPEC_E07
Level	7
Duration	1 year
Credits	15
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	St Angelas
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

How to Apply

Special Educational Needs for Special Needs Assistants

How to Apply

Course Overview

This programme is offered at pre-undergraduate level nationally for those currently working as Special Needs Assistants in primary, post-primary and specialist settings and those who are interested in a position as a Special Needs Assistant but not currently working in the area. This part-time Certificate is Department of Education and Skills (DES) recognised, at Level 7 under the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) – Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and is university accredited.

This programme will be offered online commencing in September 2024.

The programme aims:

to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes and understanding of the role of the SNA in order to respond adequately to the SEN of pupils;
to promote good practice amongst SNAs working with pupils experiencing SEN in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, special schools and classes;
to provide a specialist qualification for SNAs and provide a basis for further study and career development.

Programme Outline
This is a part-time, 80 hour modular programme.

Modules :

The Role of the SNA
Students with Special Educational Needs
Social and Curricular Inclusion for students with SEN – A Whole School Approach

Assessment is continuous, with each of the 3 modules being assessed independently through an assignment or equivalent.

Programme Content and Delivery of Content
The course content will be delivered through a series of pre-recorded lectures and online tutorials.

Programme Content

1 hour pre-recorded lectures with accompanying handouts and resources.
The lectures will be made available on Mondays to be viewed by the following Monday
The lectures will be accessed through Moodle, ATU St Angela’s e-learning platform

Online Tutorials

3 Online Tutorials
Delivered by ATU St Angela’s Facilitators
The tutorials will be delivered using Microsoft Teams via College email accounts

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	The Role of the SNA This module will analyse the role and the responsibilities of the SNA working across a range of contexts in assisting teachers to plan for and meet students' additional care needs. Participants will gain a knowledge of school structures and will learn how to communicate appropriately with the key stake holders through collaborative practice and whole-school approaches with an emphasis on building positive relationships. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the role and the responsibility of working as a SNA across different contexts 2. Analyse and evaluate current legislation, policy and procedures relevant to SNA practice 3. Apply an understanding of the SNAs contribution to planning for students with SEN	05	Mandatory
2	Social and Curricular Inclusion For Students with Special Needs This module will include discussion of the terminology and concepts of social interaction and communication skills, engagement, transitions and emotional behavioural difficulties. Content will include social interaction and communication skills. Participants will gain an understanding of how to support student engagement. The different types of transition that students with SEN experience will be explored. This module will focus on supporting students with emotional/behavioural difficulties e.g. social withdrawal, wellbeing and positive behaviour strategies. Learning Outcomes 1. Assist in the identification and examination of appropriate methods of developing students social interaction and communication 2. Assist in the selection and employment of approaches to support student engagement 3. Assist and support student transitions in all aspects of school life 4. Support students with learning differences arising from emotional/behavioural difficulties	05	Mandatory
Year	Students with Special Educational Needs This module will enable participants to acquire and apply an understanding of the additional care needs that can arise from significant medical, physical, cognitive, and sensory difficulties. Content includes input on supporting students with primary care needs and assisting with secondary associated tasks as directed by the teacher. Learning Outcomes 1. Support students with learning differences arising from significant medical difficulties 2. Support students with learning differences arising from significant physical difficulties 3. Support students with learning differences arising from significant cognitive difficulties 4. Support students with learning differences arising from significant sensory difficulties	05	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

Three online tutorials are delivered over the course duration, as well as 3 hours of weekly pre-recorded lectures. It is recommended that students should try to allow for 3 hours approximately per week to their studies.

Examination and Assessment

Assessment is continuous, with each of the three modules being assessed independently through an assignment or equivalent.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

No attendance required.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have an interest in special education. Priority will be given to those working in schools as Special Needs Assistants.

The programme is also of benefit to those who are interested in working in/already working in the early childhood sector, other educational settings or working as a personal assistant/carer.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €800

Further information on fees

Careers

The course is of benefit to those currently working as or those interested in working as a Special Needs Assistant. It is also of benefit to those who are interested in working in/already working in the early childhood sector, other educational settings, or working as a personal assistant/carer.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

This course is suitable for those currently working as, or those interested in working as, a Special Needs Assistant. It is also of benefit to those who are interested in working in/already working in the early childhood sector, other educational settings, or working as a personal assistant/carer.