Course Summary
Course Category: Employment Courses
The Special Needs Assistant – QQI Level 6 programme is an intensive short course for those who already hold a Level 5 SNA qualification or equivalent and want to advance their knowledge, skills, and practical experience to progress their careers.
At Level 6, students explore child development and behaviour theories, inclusive practice, communication, legislation, and the role of the SNA in supporting children with learning, physical, and behavioural disabilities.
The programme also introduces practical approaches to supporting Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Individual Behaviour Plans (IBPs), literacy, numeracy, observation, and communication with families and professionals.
Students benefit from a 20-hour work placement in a special needs setting, allowing them to put their knowledge into practice and build confidence.
- Delivery mode: Online learning with live interactive lectures
- Duration: 1-week intensive short course, with assignments and work placement completed after live classes
- Awarding body: QQI
- Qualification outcome: QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Special Needs Assisting
- Key progression note: Graduates may progress to degree-level study in inclusive education, including the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice at Portobello Institute.
Further Information
Book a call with Career Pathway Consultant Jennifer Matteazzi to discuss study options
Fees, payment plan, and funding information is available.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Understanding Education, Health and Safety, Teach methodologies, Educational Philosophy and Practice
Literacy: Identifying the conditions for learning language and how to implement these according to learning programmes
Mathematics: Learning skills to support the teaching of mathematics and to devise strategies to assess mathematical ability
Observations: Methods and techniques for assessing, planning and evaluating
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
Progression to CAO Courses
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
