Special Needs Assistant with ECCE Studies

Course details

The purpose of this award is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work as a special needs assistant in a range of childhood care and education settings, to include pre-school, primary and post-primary. This qualification is also mandatory to work in a crèche or pre-school environment.

Course Requirements

Leaving Cert standard or its equivalent. The mature student’s experience will be considered in lieu of formal education. Suitability for the course will be assessed at interview.

Course Modules

• Child Development
• Early Care and Education Practice
• Early Childhood Education and Play
• Child Health and Wellbeing
• School Age Childcare
• Children with Additional Needs
• Communications
• Work Experience

Work Experience

A period of work experience is incorporated in this programme. A minimum of 4 weeks is required and this will be organised on a block release basis

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this course will be qualified to support the learning environment of children attending different education settings. Graduates will also have a full understanding of Síolta and Aistear which are the most up to date curricula in the Early Care & Education Services for children aged 0 – 6 years.

Progression

Graduates who achieve the required standard may progress to further studies in:

• Early Childcare & Education Level 6 (available in the College)

• IT Colleges through the Higher Education Links Scheme.