• Child Development
• Child Protection
• Behaviour Management
• Health and Safety
• Arts and Crafts
• The role of the Special Needs Assistant
• Disabilities Studies
• Communications
• Equal Opportunities
• Individual Education Programmes/Plans
• Primary School Curriculum
• Secondary School Curriculum
• Information Technologies for the child with a specific special need
• Visual Arts, Music and Drama
• Literacy skills when working with children with special needs
• Personal and Professional Development
• Job Interview skills

Please note that the Dept. of Education and Science has minimum education requirements for permanent positions.

Applicants are asked to submit, with their application form, a short account of their previous experience in the area of special needs, if any.  Applicants should also indicate how they plan to obtain their work experience during the course, if they are not already working in the area.

Minimum age is 17 yers.
Learners must be capable of undertaking assessment work to Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate standard.
International learners undertaking this course should have confidence in their English language, reading, writing and comprehension skills and have at least a 5 IELTS  score or equivalent.

Special Needs Assistant in primary, secondary or special needs school. Staff member in crèche, pre-school or day care centre for children and adults with special needs.

Special Needs Assistant  Component Certificate FETAC Level 5

Component Certificate in Understanding Special Needs FETAC Level 5

Component Certificate in Special Needs Assistant  FETAC Level 6

This course is designed for those working or planning to work with children with Special Needs.

• Meet the training needs of those working or volunteering as an SNA
• Develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of the SNA
• Promote good practice amongst those working with special needs children in the classroom situation and promote positive attitudes to individuals with disabilities
• Provide an understanding of the statutory framework applying to those with
  special needs
• Provide a basis for further study and career development