Skills To Compete – Special Needs Assistant (Online)
The aim of this programme is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the practices and principles underpinning the role of a Special Needs Assistant to enable the learner to work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting capacity.
Employability Statement
On completion of this Programme, learners may pursue roles as a Special Needs Assistant.
Start Date: 17-11-2025 Hours/week: 31 Hrs 15 Mins Duration: 15 weeks
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 4 when accessing a Level 5 programme
Age Requirements
Learners must have reached the statutory school leaving age
Learning Aptitude
Good verbal and written command of the English language with good comprehension skills.
Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Previous Experience
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and
competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the
ability to work on their own initiative
| Module | Award | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Intellectual Disability Studies | Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652) | QQI |
| Induction | – | – |
| Child Development | Child Development (5N1764) | QQI |
| Special Needs Assisting | Special Needs Assisting (5N1786) | QQI |
| Career Planning And Job Seeking Skills | – | – |
1-Special Needs Assisting
Work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting capacity.
2- Child Development
Demonstrate the required knowledge and skills of child development and learning within early childhood care and education settings.
3- Intellectual Disability Studies
identify the causes, range and effects of intellectual disabilities to develop an awareness of the importance of a social model of support and the role of various professionals in responding to the needs of persons with an intellectual disability.
Learners must be IT literate to partake in the online course and have a suitable WIFI connection.
Be available for daily live tutor led classes on Zoom delivered from 08:30-15:45 Mon-Thurs, 08:30-12:45 Friday over 10 weeks.
To engage in self-directed learning daily, complete course work and participate in 1:1 support sessions with the tutor.
To attend in person for one day at Waterford Training Centre for exams/assessments towards the end of the course.