Course description

Course Details
This distance learning, QQI accredited Inclusive Education course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at work, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification. This course is a perfect fit for learners who aspire to pursue a rewarding career in the Early Years sector. It’s also an ideal choice for those aiming to refresh their skills or knowledge, such as individuals with older Early Years qualifications wanting to stay current, or those who didn’t get the chance to complete a module focused on equality, diversity, and inclusive practice earlier. Additionally, it’s an enriching opportunity for people who have a personal interest in the sector – for instance, parents of children with additional educational needs in the Early Years.

The primary aim of our course is to provide comprehensive exposure to special education provision within the Irish education system, with a specific emphasis on the Early Years/Pre-school sector. It’s designed to offer learners the chance to expand their understanding and bolster their knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusive practice in Early Learning and Childcare (ELC). Choosing to study this course with CMIT brings a myriad of benefits. Students enjoy 24×7 access to CMIT eLearning throughout the duration of the course, which includes a comprehensive course manual, engaging videos, interactive quizzes, and personalised tutor support. The course documentation provided for this QQI-certified course is thorough and user-friendly, allowing learners to immerse themselves in the study materials seamlessly.

The practical assignments help reinforce the knowledge gained throughout the course and equips learners with a tangible skill that can be directly applied in their professional life. Our state-of-the-art online platform enables you to upload assessments conveniently and receive prompt online feedback. The eLearning system is accessible from any computer with internet access, ensuring your learning journey is always at your fingertips.

Who should complete this Inclusive Education course?

Anyone who is interested in a career in early learning and care with children aged 0-6 years.
People who wish to gain an accredited qualification in Inclusive Education and wish to study at their own pace, and in their own time.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites

Leaving Certificate, NFQ level 4 qualification or equivalent. If you do not hold a Leaving Certificate or an NFQ level 4 qualification, you may be eligible based on relevant life and or work experience, please contact the college on 01-2865783 to confirm this.
As this NFQ level 5 qualification is delivered through English it is necessary learners will have sufficient written English skills to complete this course. Learners for whom English is not a first language will be required to provide evidence of meeting a minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening, and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
Learners must be a resident of Ireland / based in Ireland and hold a valid PPS Number.
A basic working knowledge of computers in addition to a computer with internet access and word processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word or Google Docs) is required to do the course.

Topics covered in this Inclusive Education course

Unit 1: ‘Additional Needs’ in Ireland

What is a ‘Special’ or ‘Additional Need’
The medical and social model of disability
Disability awareness
Principles of normalisation
The history of provision in Ireland
Inclusion policies
The benefits and limitations of the SNA Model

Unit 2: Disability studies

What is meant by disability
Physical disabilities
Communication difficulties
Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD and ADHD)
Autism
Asperge’s Syndrome
General and Specific Learning Difficulties

Unit 3: Inclusive practice

What is meant by inclusion, equality, and diversity
AIM and LINC
The Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Charter
Barriers to participation in ELC
Staff training and support
Personal values and attitudes

Unit 4: Approaches and interactions

Working with and supporting children with additional needs
Theories of learning and behaviour
Observation, recording and record keeping
The role of the early childhood professional
Inclusive play
Equipment and resources
The role of reflection

Assessment

This Inclusive Education course is assessed through completion of an assignment and a project.
As part of our quality assurance, student assessment work will be marked by an Internal Assessor, then checked by an Internal Verifier and an independent QQI External Authenticator.

Transfer and Progression to Further Studies

This Inclusive Education course leads to a Level 5 component award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Students who successfully complete this programme may use this level 5 component certificate as credit towards the following QQI Major Award: Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Level 5). For more details contact us.

Accreditation

Following successful completion, you will receive a QQI Level 5 component certificate in Inclusive Education and Care of Children with Additional Needs in ELC from QQI.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. CMIT is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.