Understanding Special Needs QQI Level 5 (Starts April 8th) Monday

Course Name: Understanding Special Needs QQI Level 5 (5N1709)

Award: Certificate of Attendance (on request).

Understanding Special Needs QQI 5N1709 

The purpose of this award is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competence required to work effectively, under direction in a special needs setting. This award will also give learners an understanding of the context of special needs, the associated issues and approaches.

1 Understand the concept of need in relation to disability 

2 Identify relevant international policy relating to individuals with special needs 

3 Identify a range of special needs conditions and impairments

4 Outline a range of causes, diagnosis and prognosis of the different conditions and impairments 

5 Interpret current legislation relating to special needs provision and identify the main points of the legislation 

6 Interpret the current national policies relating to special needs provision and identify the main policy implications 

7 Compile a list of local and national resources, services and facilities available to individuals with special needs 

8 Devise strategies for the promotion of good practice within a special needs setting 

9 Examine the history of special needs service provision in Ireland to date 

10 Understand the emotional and practical implications of having a family member with special needs 

11 Explain the common terms and language used in the area of disability with due regard to contemporary best practice in the use of language in this field 12 Describe the roles of support staff including childcare workers and special needs assistants in the context of special needs 

13 Describe the roles of the interdisciplinary team members and professionals in the context of individuals with special needs 

14 Describe the different learning and therapy programmes provided by professionals in the area of special needs 

15 Outline the key elements of good practices for people working with individuals with special needs in various settings e.g. advocacy, confidentiality, equality, independence etc.

Tutor Biography

Emma has worked with  groups from the Early Years; Primary; Secondary; Further, Adult and Community Education in the public and private sectors delivering a wide range of courses from Child Psychology to Palliative Care through a variety of media - from class-based to online learning environments. Emma has volunteered within the area of the Equality and the realisation of the Rights of the Child and in the promotion of language and literacy, among others.

Email Address: emmanutley@ymail.com 

FAQ  

Which course is right for me?    

Understanding Special Needs (Monday) gives a background on the whole area of Special/additional Needs in Ireland; it goes into great detail on all of the Special Needs; and gives us information on how to meet these Needs. This course is of benefit to learners in any background: health: education; childcare etc.    

Level 5 Special Needs Assisting (Tuesday/Wednesday) addresses the job of the SNA and you will have a look at the law in the area; how to support children’s care Needs in a school setting; and how to put your learning into practice, improving all of the time. This course is beneficial for people who wish to work in education and childcare 

Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (Thursday) covers the way the law has changed to meet the education needs of people with additional needs; it looks at ways to meet those education needs; the course works on developing a positive attitude and better understanding of additional needs; and strategies on how to manage your workload. This course is beneficial for people who wish to work in healthcare; education; and childcare.   

 Are there exams?  

 No, there is no exam on any of these courses. They are assessed through written work and tasks that are relevant to the role of meeting additional needs.     

Can I go straight to level 6?  

Ideally, you will complete level 5 first as no one of these courses replaces the other. Lots of people do all of the courses. Whether you go on to level 6 depends on the level of study you have already covered. If you haven’t done anything at level 5, start at that level. If you have a level 5 or you have been to college, then you would be able to meet the requirements of the level 6 course.

Do I need a placement?

All learners are encouraged to seek out a voluntary placement - a couple of hours a week is fine - in order to apply your learning. It is not compulsory, instead it is an opportunity to prepare you to work as an SNA or in another role meeting people’s additional needs. 

Can I do more than one course?  

 Yes you can. Learners often do sign up for two courses as the content from one helps in their understanding of the other.