Course Summary
Are you interested in becoming a Special Needs Assistant? This blended learning course is 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. Portobello Institute’s QQI Level 6 Minor Award Special Needs Assisting is a qualification that will allow you to work as a special needs assistant in schools, hospitals and care homes. During this 3-month course you will acquire not only knowledge but empathy and understanding crucial to your future role as support to persons needing assistance in their learning.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Language Options
* Time abroad utilising this language
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Entry Requirements
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.
To view Mature Entry requirements, or alternative requirements, please visit Qualifax or the Colleges' website
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QQI / FET Links
Points Calculator for QQI Awards:
Details of the QQI scoring system and a points calculator can be found HERE
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
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.
Career Progression
Special needs assistants play an important role in supporting those with learning, physical or behavioural difficulties. The role of an SNA in the classroom involves assisting the teacher to support students with special educational needs who may also have significant care needs. Through education, knowledge and understanding an SNA can ensure that a child with special needs experiences a positive learning experience developing their confidence and independence.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.