Minimum age is 17 Years
All learners must be fluent English speakers.
Currently the Department of Education and Science stipulates that all those gaining full-time employment in schools must have a full Junior Certificate or equivalent qualification including English, Irish and Mathematics.
Applicants should also indicate how they plan to obtain their work experience during the course if they are not already working in the area.
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 as 5 IELTS score or equivalent.
Career Options
Special Needs Assistant in a primary or secondary school, crèche or day care centre.
Who should participate in this course?
Learners who are looking to pursue a career in Childcare.
It is anticipated in the sector that this will be the minimum qualification for childcare workers.
Learners wishing to gain additional points for their CAO entry onto a degree course.
Work Experience
Learners must complete a minimum of 30 hours working in a special needs setting with children under the age of 18. These hours may, but do not have to be in a school setting. Work experience may be undertaken in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Learners who choose to do 50 hours or more work experience, can apply to do our Work Experience FETAC Level 5 bridging course at the same time (for a small extra fee). This allows learners to simultaneously obtain their Component Certificate in Work Experience FETAC Level 5.
Further Studies
- Special Needs Assistant FETAC Level 6
- Youth studies
- Advanced Certificate in the Montessori Method of Education
- Component Certificate in Therapeutic Play FETAC Level 6
- Component Certificate in Child Psychology (4-18 years) FETAC Level 6
- Other childcare FETAC Level 5 Modules
- Component Certificate in Developing Literacy Skills FETAC Level 4
