Course Details
This two week intensive course gives you the opportunity to qualify and work as a special needs assistant. By booking both courses together you can progress straight to the level 6 course upon completion of the level 5 and avail of a discount, making your study more affordable.
Fee
€995.00Start Date
22nd May 2023Qualification
QQI Level 5 QQI Level 6Location(s)
Portobello InstituteCourse Duration
2 weeksOverview
Are you interested in becoming a Special Needs Assistant? This is a two-week intensive course delivered online with webinars and is 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. Portobello Institute’s QQI Level 5 Minor Award and QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting are qualifications that will allow you to work as a special needs assistant in schools, hospitals and care homes. During this 20 week course you will acquire not only knowledge but empathy and understanding crucial to your future role as support to persons needing assistance in their learning. You will attend class at a scheduled time each week and complete course work in your own time allowing you to fit learning around your busy working and family life. You will be required to complete 20 hours of work experience enabling you to get practical experience to compliment your studies after Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. These factors, together with the one to one tutorial support, offer you a course that is accessible, affordable and achievable.
Why should I study this course?
The field of Special Needs Education is one of enormous variety and ever-changing needs. Portobello Institute wish to respond to the true needs within the sector by offering a course that will equip our students not only with knowledge but with empathy and understanding crucial to their future role as support to persons needing assistance in their learning. Our research in the field has found that Special Needs Assistants require practical skills and knowledge in a wide range of behaviours and abilities. Thus, we try to encapsulate the lifelong experience of persons with Special Needs within our courses, in Level 5 and in greater detail at Level 6.
Portobello Institute’s QQI level 5 and 6 Minor Awards in Special Needs Assisting gives you the opportunity to learn from a range of experts all of whom are passionate about the field of special needs education. They bring their insight, depth of experience and passion for teaching to this course. During this course, you will learn to support and understand the process by which a child with learning, physical or behavioural needs learns. This qualification will allow you to work alongside a child with special needs in a school as well as care settings.
The Special Needs Assistant Level 6 course is ideal for Learners who wish to:
- Possess a comprehensive understanding of national and local models, multi-disciplinary teams, health and safety issues and educational provisions for children and young people with special needs.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relevant concepts, theories and principles underpinning curriculum implementation.
- Create learning opportunities by devising and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) and individual behavior Plans (IBP’s) and introduce exercises that teach the child to look after themselves and their property which ultimately encourages independence, respect, self-esteem and responsibility.
- Assess the roles and responsibilities and skill sets required by the SNA to assist the teacher in implementing the National curriculum.
Who will recognise my qualification?
Upon completing this course, you will hold the following qualifications;
QQI Level 5 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting
QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting
What will I study during this Special Needs Assistant – Level 5 & Level 6 Booking Package – Intensive – Starts May ’23 course?
During the Level 5 course, you will learn about development and learning in children with special needs and about the role of an SNA. You will learn about child development and behaviour theories and how a range of activities can promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual development in children with learning, physical and behavioural disabilities. You will develop the capacity to work and communicate effectively with parents, families, colleagues and other professionals to safeguard, support and promote children’s learning, development and well-being.
During this programme you will cover the following topics:
The Role of the Special Needs Assistant
Equal Opportunities Child Development (Overview)
Theories of Learning and Behaviour
Physical and Intellectual Disabilities
Communications and Language Disabilities
Work Experience
The level 6 course provides you with a greater depth of knowledge on the role of an SNA. You will learn about development and learning in children with special needs and about the role of an SNA. You will learn about child development and behaviour theories and how a range of activities can promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual development in children with learning, physical and behavioural disabilities. You will learn how to implement Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) and individual behaviour Plans (IBP’s) and introduce exercises that teach the child to look after themselves and their property which ultimately encourages independence, respect, self-esteem and responsibility. You will develop the capacity to work and communicate effectively with parents, families, colleagues and other professionals to safeguard, support and promote children’s learning, development and well-being.
During this programme you will cover the following topics:
Understanding Education, Health and Safety, Teach methodologies, Educational Philosophy and Practice.
Literacy: Identifying the conditions for learning language and how to implement these according to learning programmes.
Mathematics: Learning skills to support the teaching of mathematics and to devise strategies to assess mathematical ability.
Observations: Methods and techniques for assessing, planning and evaluating.
Who will I learn from?
Personal Academic Tutor
Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.
Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.
This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.
Fran Trehy
Position: Special Needs Assisting lecturer
‘The heartfelt hero, using their talents to help students discover their own. Dedicating their time and energy each day to the students in their care, and doing it all while meeting the individual needs of many.’
About Fran
As I am a Special Needs Assistant for the past 16 years, I feel I can give the student a true insight into the classroom environment. I went back to education myself in later life and after completing my Arts and Humanity degree focusing on Family Studies, the urge to stay as an SNA was so strong, so when Portobello came up to teach the Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs assisting courses, it was a dream come true In so many ways. I have had a very eventful life to date, travelling the world, working in very varied work environments for example Dublin Airport, Hospitals, and an array of other careers, one of which is being a mother to three teenager/young adults, I had a child with special needs myself who passed away very early in life so Special needs is very close to my heart. I have a passion for the career and the children in my care. I hope anyone that I am lucky enough to teach will benefit from that passion.
Since taking the position of Tutor with Portobello I have encountered so many people with the same ethos as myself not only with colleagues but with students alike, to be Special Needs Assistant takes a very special person, to change children’s lives for the better is so rewarding. I could not have chosen a better college to teach in and I am truly grateful to assist as many people as possible to progress in this challenging, rewarding career.
Fran’s Teaching Philosophy
I am a very relaxed Educator, I like to make students feel comfortable and to be in an environment where no question is a silly question, I like to exude passion for special needs children and for all children in education. I would love my students to leave the course with all the knowledge necessary to become the best they can be. I also want students to have the urge and longing to progress and further their education after completing the course and to make sure they have the confidence to pursue that. I believe that teachers should create a positive and safe atmosphere for all their students, and be the best teacher they can be by using different teaching strategies, being prepared for any situation, and always doing what’s best for the students.
Qualifications
- BA Hons, Arts and Humanity focusing on family studies
- Special Needs Assisting Level5 and Level 6
- Dyslexia, Dyspraxia awareness certificates
- PECS and ABA Certificates
How will I learn?
Delivery Mode
Portobello Institute has designed this course for delivery as an e-learning and Webinar course. We have extensive experience delivering e-learning courses and have the resources that are specifically designed for delivering courses to an e-learning audience. Your course will run at a specific time each week when you will log-on and your tutor will deliver the content over a 2 hour period with a break of 10minutes half-way through. You can ask a question at any stage and hear the questions and responses of other students attending this course. Your tutor is available up to 20 minutes before class so you may log-on early and seek support if there are any areas of the content that you need additional support with. Alternatively, our full-time programme manager is available to support you throughout your learning journey.
Course materials are structured to be accessed on a week by week basis and are available to download from our e-learning platform as you progress through the course. Assignments are all designed for completion at home and once completed, you will upload these to the elearning platform. Feedback and results are posted here for you to access too.
You will have the opportunity to engage with your fellow course colleagues as if you were in class together – all from the comfort and safety of your chosen environment. Webinars are available to download at a later stage should you miss a class making this a very flexible and convenient mode of learning.
Other delivery modes available
Special Needs Assistant – Level 5 & Level 6 Booking Package – Starts April ’23
Location(s)
Portobello InstituteStart Date
26th April 2023Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 6 – Starts May ’23
Location(s)
Portobello InstituteStart Date
2nd May 2023Course Structure
This is a two week intensive course with Webinars delivered Monday – Friday. Interactive webinar sessions are held every morning, 10am – 12.30pm.
What is a Webinar?
A webinar, in the context of online learning, is a lecturer delivering a presentation or class online to a group of students. We use specifically designed e-learning software so you can participate in the class just as if you were present in the same room. You can ask a question to the lecturer at any stage during the class. The software is designed with “break-out rooms” where you can discuss a topic or complete a group exercise with a smaller group from your class. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has internet connection, an audio facility so you can hear and speak during the class and a camera so your lecturer and fellow class participants can see you. The webinar is a secure online environment and only those permitted entry by the lecturer can gain access to the “classroom”. Webinars are recorded during each session and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date. You will only be able to access webinars of the group you are assigned to.
Course Schedule
This 2 week intensive course is run between 22nd May ’23 and 2nd June ’23.
Classes are held each morning from 10am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Sessions are recorded so you can catch up later if you should miss a session.
Real Life Learning Opportunities
Work Placement
During this course you will spend 20 hours on a work placement in a special needs assisting setting. During the placement you will have the opportunity to put into practice the exercises and skills you will have learned during the programme. You will have the opportunity by using these skills to stimulate, develop and guide the children under your direction to develop to their full potential. We aim to ensure that you will have the opportunity to gain experience in a setting that is aligned with your career ambitions.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used to support students with different learning styles. These vary from written reports to practical case studies to examinations. We encourage you to reflect on your knowledge gain with a number of assignments designed to explore your learning journey. All of these assessment methods are seeking to support you to combine theory with scenario-based learning and how to practically implement these methods into your everyday practice.
Career prospects
What is the role of a Special Needs Assistant?
Special needs assistants play an important role in supporting those with learning, physical or behavioural difficulties. The role of an SNA in the classroom involves assisting the teacher to support students with special educational needs who may also have significant care needs. Through education, knowledge and understanding an SNA can ensure that a child with special needs experiences a positive learning experience developing their confidence and independence.
Related Courses
Montessori Teaching – Start Anytime
This blended learning course combines online learning with practical workshops with the Montessori materials, giving you the opportunity to study at your time, to be a Montessori practitioner and open your own Montessori school.
ECCE with Montessori Teaching
Delivered through blended learning, this course in Montessori Teaching and Early Childhood Care & Education, will give you the qualification that will allow you to open your own setting or work in the capacity of a room leader/supervisor/manager in a Montessori room.
Speak to an expert
Choosing a course that will lead you to your career of choice is a significant decision. Understanding the delivery modes, supports available, career opportunities and further study options are all key considerations when making your choice. Our course adviser team are experts in the courses Portobello offers, the employment prospects and possible progression routes to other programmes – they will guide you through the detail and support you with any queries you may have.
It is important you make the right choice for you and choose the Institute and course that will best suit your needs.
Your Consultant
How do I apply?
Entry to this course is by direct application to the college.
Requirements
Without a Leaving Certificate
There are no previous academic or experience requirements for this course.
Fees & Payment Options
Fees
Course Price
Per academic year.
Full Payment
Total amount payable.
