Course Overview
Are you interested in becoming a Special Needs Assistant? This QQI level 5 Minor Award Special Needs Assisting 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 Special Needs Assistant course gives you the opportunity to qualify and work as an SNA. It prepares you to work in schools, hospitals, and care homes. You’ll gain knowledge, empathy, and understanding crucial for supporting individuals with special needs.
This course includes 20 hours of work experience, providing practical skills to complement your studies, alongside one-on-one tutorial support. It’s accessible, affordable, and achievable.
Upon completing this course, you will hold a QQI level 5 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting. With this qualification you can progress to our QQI level 6 Minor Award Special Needs Assisting. We also have a booking package available.
During the QQI level 5 Minor Award, 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
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 Trehy
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
Option A – September Start
Commencing 23rd September ’24 until 27th September ’24, this is a one week intensive course with interactive webinars, delivered online Monday – Friday 10am – 12.30pm.
Option B – November Start
Commencing 11th November ’24 until 15th November ’24, this is a one week intensive course with interactive webinars, delivered online Monday – Friday 10am – 12.30pm.
This course has been specifically designed to be delivered online with live lectures.
Webinars are recorded and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date.
Course materials are structured to be accessed on a daily basis and are available to download from our eLearning platform as you progress through the course.
September Start
Commencing 25th September ’24 until 27th November ’24, this course is delivered online with interactive webinars held on Wednesday evenings from 7pm – 9.30pm.
Tutors are online and available to support you with any queries from 6.30pm with classes starting at 7pm.
This course has been specifically designed to be delivered online with live lectures.
Webinars are recorded and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date.
Course materials are structured to be accessed on a weekly basis and are available to download from our eLearning platform as you progress through the course.
Work Placement
During this course, you will complete a 20-hour work placement in a special needs setting, applying the skills and exercises learned during the program. This hands-on experience will allow you to stimulate, develop, and guide children to their full potential in a setting aligned with your career goals.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants upon successful completion of the online booking form and payment of course fees.
Course: €595
Course: €595
