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QQI Level 6

Therapeutic Play Skills – Short Online Course

Therapeutic Play Skills – Short Online Course
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Course Overview

Discover how to use play as a therapeutic medium to support children in overcoming challenging circumstances. This 3-month QQI level 6 Minor Award in Therapeutic Play Skills equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply therapeutic play in early years and special needs settings.

Level Professional Short Course Qualification QQI Level 6
Online with live lectures
Duration 1 academic semester
Start date
1st Year Fees €425.00

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive learning experience, gaining expertise in using play to foster holistic development and address the specific needs of children.  

Engage in practical workshops conducted through online webinars, led by experienced practitioners who will provide you with valuable, real-world insights into Therapeutic Play Skills. 

This course is ideal for those passionate about making a positive impact on children’s lives through therapeutic play. 

During this course, you will learn extensively about the role of therapeutic play as a medium to help children work through difficult circumstances they may be enduring. You will learn about the different therapeutic play theories and principles and their relevance in different situations. You will also learn the key practical skills needed to facilitate therapeutic play with children.

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Evaluate key concepts and practices in therapeutic play across different child settings. 
  • Appraise the relevance of various therapeutic play theories. 
  • Demonstrate understanding of interpersonal communication, both one-on-one and in group dynamics. 
  • Examine the needs of specific individuals, such as children who are bereaved or experiencing long-term illness. 
  • Identify and enhance your own skills and competencies. 
  • Contribute effectively within early years, education, or healthcare settings. 
  • Design and implement a range of practical play techniques, including art, drama, music, and dance. 
  • Facilitate group work and plan activities for children and adolescents. 
  • Ensure equal opportunities and best practices to help children reach their full potential. 
  • Demonstrate the necessary language, literacy, and numeracy skills for therapeutic play. 
  • Exercise substantial personal autonomy and responsibility. 

Please note: This course is an introduction to therapeutic play and does not qualify you to work as a play therapist.

Clare Bowman


Position: SNA and ECCE Tutor “Early Childhood Education is the key to the betterment of our society.” – Maria Montessori I am passionate about all aspects of Early Childhood Education. I have been fortunate to meet some equally passionate students along the way. The Early Childhood sector has improved so…...

Position: SNA and ECCE Tutor

“Early Childhood Education is the key to the betterment of our society.” – Maria Montessori

I am passionate about all aspects of Early Childhood Education. I have been fortunate to meet some equally passionate students along the way. The Early Childhood sector has improved so much over the last 20 years and continues to improve through the education and devotion of its committed workforce.

About Clare

I have a background in Early Years Education, specialising in Early Intervention. I currently teach under 6’s with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Global Developmental Delays. I have been working in Adult Education for over 16 years.

Clare’s Teaching Philosophy

My classes are fun, informative, and interactive. I like students to feel like they go away from class confident that they can complete the assignments required for each module.

Qualifications

  • BA (Hons) Training and Education
  • HNC Childcare and Education
  • University Certificate in ASD
  • Montessori Certificate in Special Education

Research/Industry Participation

  • Member of the Teaching Council of Ireland
  • Member of Autplay Therapists

What modules do you teach and what value do you feel this brings to the students?

Module: Special Needs Assisting

Value: Prepares the student for working with children with additional needs. Provides them with a knowledge of special educational needs, the role of the SNA and Irish legislation.

Module: Child Development

Value: Equips the student with an understanding of holistic development, an overview of the work of important theorists and the knowledge to carry out a variety of observations in the workplace.

Module: Child Psychology

Value: Provides the learner with theoretical knowledge of psychology relevant to childhood, as well as helping students to develop new ideas and improve their own interaction with the children they work with.

Course Schedule – November 16th 2024

Commencing 16th November 24 to 15th February ’25.

There are 2 workshops held on Saturday 16/11/24 &  7/12/24 from 10am to 4pm.

Course Schedule – 25th January 2025 

Commencing 25th January to 26th April ’25.

There are 2 workshops held on Saturday 25/01/15 & 22/02/15 from 10am to 4pm.

Course Schedule – 12th April 2025

Commencing 12th April to 12th July ’25.

There are 2 workshops held on Saturday 12/04/25 & 10/05/25 from 10am – 4pm.

 

This course is delivered online with live lectures allowing you to study at your own pace and in your own time with support available when you need it.

 

The webinars are highly interactive delivered online by an experienced practitioner. There are intermittent breaks scheduled throughout the day. Webinars take place on Saturdays and it is mandatory to attend both to achieve your qualification.

There are no previous academic or experience requirements.
  1. 1
    Complete the online booking form.
  2. 2
    Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants following successful application.
Online with live lectures

Course: €425

€425.00 Year 1 total fee

Who else has studied this course?

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Special Needs Assisting Early Years
Claire McEntee – The Value of Therapeutic Play Skills After 15 Years as an SNA
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Early Years
Irene Harpur – Therapeutic Play Skills and SNA Working Together
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Early Years
Claragh McCabe – MA Early Childhood Studies Graduate ‘It’s Never Too Late to Come Back to Study’

Speak to an expert

Jennifer Matteazzi


I love the interaction with students.  Every day I get to meet different individuals and learners who are looking to change their lives and I get to be the person who advises them on the best programme to take. It is a fantastic feeling to be part of their journey. For many learners this is a huge decision and I get to be the person who supports them in it. There is an incredible sense of pride when I see our learners graduate and achieve their education goals.

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