This new, two-year programme will provide students with the knowledge skills and competencies to work in a Special Needs Assisting role with children and in a variety of other roles within the childcare early learning and care sector.

Childcare - Special Needs Assisting

To be confirmed

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Course Fees

€530

As part of the childcare course, students undertake extensive professional practice work experience placement (150 hours) in at least two early learning and care settings including settings to include those which cater for children from birth to 2 years 8 months and those which cater for children from 2 years 8 months to 6 years. Students will receive training in the basic practical skills and develop knowledge and understanding of the role of the special needs assistant in creches, playschools, primary schools, etc. All early learning and care settings in Ireland require their employees to have a QQI level 5 early learning and carequalification, as a minimum, in line with legislative requirements for the sector.

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About This Course

Course Content

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or LCVP or QQI Level 4 Award. Equal consideration will be given to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet these entry requirements.)

Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 standard on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level.

Further Study

At Cavan Institute:

Upon successful completion of Stage 1 of this programme, students can progress to Stage 2, the level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

Elsewhere:

Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities (please check with the particular Institution regarding local eligibility requirements).

Career Opportunities

This Childcare - Special Needs Assisting course will give students a firm foundation in the qualities and skills required for employment as a early learning and care worker in creches and playschools and as a classroom assistant in a special national school.

Certification

QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded to graduates upon successful completion of year 2 of this programme. Students who wish to exit the award at the end of year 1 will be awarded the embedded award QQI Level 5 Certificated in Early Learning and Care upon successful completion of stage 1 of the programme.

Award Code to be confirmed

To be confirmed

Award Code to be confirmed

Child Development

Child Health and Well Being

Communications

Children with Additonal Needs

Early Childhood Education and Play

Early Care and Education Practice

Infant and Toddler Years

Occupational First Aid

Special Needs Assisting