Course Detail

The Aim of the Special Needs Assisting Course is to:

• Be familiar with ways of relating to children with special needs.
• Be capable of creating and maintaining appropriate relationships with children, their parents, their primary carers, teachers and other professionals.
• Acquire knowledge, skills and competence in the role of the special needs assistant.
• Reflect on their abilities and aptitudes to work as a special needs assistant.
• Demonstrate good practice in working as a special needs assistant.

Special Needs Assistant course: Unit 1:  Good Practice

• Follow appropriate health and safety procedures in the workplace.
• Summarise key elements of child protection policy.
• Work within principles of good practice in e.g. Confidentiality, inclusion, independence, boundaries, etc.
• Understand the role of the special needs assistant in relation to professionals in promoting the health and safety of children in their care.
• Reflect on one’s own values and attitudes in working with children with special needs.
• Explain the rights of children with special needs in relation to personal autonomy, participation and choice in decision making.
• Understand the importance of on-going training, reflection, supervision and support.
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others in promoting and maintaining good practice including confidentiality, appreciating boundaries etc.

Special Needs Assistant course: Unit 2: Relating to Children with Special Needs

• Outline the impact of a range of special needs on communication styles and needs.
• Examine the importance of non-verbal communication.
• Explore practical ways of relating to children with special needs including the use of communication aids where appropriate.
• Identify the personal challenges and opportunities associated with creating and maintaining relationships with children with special needs.

Special Needs Assistant course: Unit 3: Relating to other Stakeholders

• Outline the role and responsibilities of the special needs assistant and how it differs from that of the teacher.
• Describe the roles of the multidisciplinary team in the child’s life.
• Recognise the role of parents/guardians as the child’s primary care givers.
• Relate appropriately to parents, teachers and other carers.
• Contribute insights and experiences to team discussions and meetings as appropriate.

Special Needs Assistant course: Unit 4: Special Needs Assisting Skills

Assist children with special needs with a range of activities in their daily routine under direction including:

• boarding and alighting from school buses
• assisting with communication including assistive technology and writing
• clothing, feeding toileting and general hygiene
• out of school visits walks etc
• assembly recreational and dispersal periods
• accompanying individuals or small groups and other activities as appropriate
• support the teacher in preparing for activities, resources and tidying up the classroom
• work effectively under direction as a special needs assistant.

A minimum of 20 hours work experience in a Special Needs Context to be completed during the module. This will fulfill part of the FETAC Level 5 Work Experience module. 

It is the responsility of the student to get Garda Clearance.

The assessments for the Special Needs Assisting course include: a combination of appropriate assessment procedures will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes of the course.

Skills Demonstrations (2) 60%
Learner Record 40%

FETAC Special Needs Assisting Component Certificate Level 5