Care of the Special Child - Special Needs Assistant

Students specialise in the care of the child or adult with a mental or physical disability. This is a joint training programme offered by the Remedial Clinic Clontarf and Liberties College.

Course Open

Course Number

5

Duration

1 Year full-time

Certification

FETAC Level 5 Community Care DCHCC
Occupational First Aid Certificate FETAC Level 5
Manual Handling Certificate
Feeding Certificate

Entry

Minimum age of 17 years.

General College Requirements
Mature Students Entry

Pass grade in Irish, English and Mathematics in the Junior Certificate Examination or in an examination of an equivalent standard.
Some experience in childcare or in the care of people with disabilities is desirable. 

Employment

Day Care Centres and Clinics
Special Schools
Workshops and Residential Units
Personal Assistants
Classroom Assistant in Primary/Secondary Schools

Number of places available

Twenty Two

Principal Areas of Study

Education
Psychology – Observation Skills – Language Development and Speech Therapy – Creative Studies – Role of the Classroom Assistant - Learning for All - Inclusive Education - Arts and Crafts for Childcare
Social Studies
Social services – Support agencies – Care Provision & Practice – Child Protection Training
Health
Physiotherapy – Understanding Disability – Nutrition and Feeding – Health, Hygiene and Safety – First Aid – Manual Handling – Hand Hygiene
Communications & General Studies
Communications – Information Technology
Complementary Care
Drama Therapy – Music Therapy – Holistic Therapy
(Modules offered may be subject to change and will be based on resources and the new Common Awards System).

Features of the course

• Students are prepared to become active members of professional teams sharing responsibility for the day-to-day care of people with a disability.
• Three days per week practical training in the Central Remedial Clinic.
• Lectures/classes two days per week in Liberties College.

Progression

Higher Education