Special Needs Education Course Level 5 Minor Award

The Special Needs Assistant Certificate is  course suited to anyone who has an interest in Special Needs Education, whether to pursue it as a career or use the knowledge for personal or family reasons.

The field of Special Needs Education is one of enormous variety and ever changing needs. Portobello Institute wish to respond to the true needs within the sector by offering a course that will equip our students not only with knowledge but with empathy and understanding crucial to their future role as support to persons needing assistance in their learning. Our research in the field has found that Special Needs Assistants require practical skills and knowledge in a wide range of behaviours and abilities. Thus, we try to encapsulate the lifelong experience of persons with Special Needs within our courses, in Level 5 and in greater detail at Level 6.

Qualifications Gained

Portobello Institute Certificate in Special Needs Assistant Training
QQI Level minor award (5N1786)  Special Needs Assistant

Entry Requirements

Entry to this course is by direct application to the college. There are no previous academic requirements.

Course Structure

This is a part time course delivered via three modes:

Part time (evenings)

Blended (online with webinars)

One week intensive

You choose the delivery method most suited to you. Learners must undertake work experience.

Course Content Modules

• The Role of the Special Needs Assistant
• Equal Opportunities Child Development(Overview)
• Theories of Learning and Behaviour
• Physical and Intellectual Disabilities
• Communications and Language Disabilities
• Work Experience*
  * 20 Hours Work experience is required