Classroom Assistant - Special Needs Assistant

This is a one-year specialist course training students to work as Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) in Primary and Secondary School classrooms. Liberties College has offered courses in the training of SNAs since 1991.

Course Open

Course Number

6

Duration

1 Year full-time

Certification

FETAC Level 5 Community Care DCHCC

Entry

General College Requirements
Mature Student Entry

Pass grade in Irish, English and Mathematics in the Junior Certificate Examination or in an examination of an equivalent standard.

Employment

• SNA in Mainstream Education
• Day Care Centres
• Special Schools

Number of places available

Twenty Two

Principal Areas of Study

• Understanding Special Needs
• Special Needs Assisting 
• Arts and Craft for Children 
• Human Growth and Development 
• Sensorial Education 
• Safety and Health at Work 
• Care Provision and Practice 
• Work Experience 
• Workshops

Features of the course

• Knowledge of IEPs(Individual Education Plan)
• Two-day placement each week in classrooms in Mainstream Education or Special Schools
•  Lectures/classes three days per week in Liberties College 
• First Aid 
• Training in typical SNA duties
  Assisting children with everyday practical tasks e.g. clothing, feeding, toileting and hygiene Educational assistance e.g. helping the child with writing or typing.
  Preparing and tidying the classroom environment Assisting during school tours and outings. Knowledge of IEPs (Individual Education Plans)
   

 

Progression

Higher Education