Special Needs Assisting & Intellectual Disability Studies

Special Needs Assisting & Intellectual Disability Studies

Course Code 5M1761

Aim

The overall aim of the programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies to work effectively with people with special needs including intellectual disabilities and to empower them to reach their full potential.

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Entry requirements

Leaving Cert or LCA (with distinction). Mature learners (over 23) are not required to have the minimum entry requirements listed. All mature applicants will be considered on an individual basis. All candidates will be required to complete Garda vetting.

Course Duration

1 year (September – May) Full time course however part time/flexible options may be considered

Course Content

· Special Needs Assisting

· Intellectual Disability Studies

· Empowering the Individual

· Community Inclusion

· Facilitating Learning

· Communications

· Psychology

· Work Experience

Additional training will also be provided in First Aid, Lámh sign language and Manual Handling (by outside agencies). This will incur an additional fee.

Work Experience

All learners must complete a mandatory 150 hours of work placement in educational settings/other suitable care facilities.

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Career Opportunities

· Special Needs Assistant in Primary and Secondary Schools

· Personal Assistant in Further Education Colleges

· Public & Private sector – working with children and adults with additional needs

· Community Care

Certification

Successful completion of the course will lead to a QQI Level 5 full award.

Educational progression

Learners may progress to a programme leading to a Level 6 Certificate or higher education

Course Co-ordinator: Zena Egerton zegerton@stconlethcc365.ie

HOW TO APPLY:

· Applications now open

· You can apply online using the following link

All prospective candidates will be interviewed in May and August, successful candidates will be offered a placement, you will be notified of your interview by email or phone.

May 20
2026
PLC Graduation
May 20
2026
TY Graduation
May 21
2026
6th Year Graduation
May 25
2026
School Awards
11-May-2026
Wider Options is a one year PLC course. For more information, see the photo below
29-Jan-2026
The mock exams will begin for Leaving Certificate students on Tuesday, 3rd February; for 3rd Year students on Thursday, 5th February; and for LCA 6 students on Tuesday, 10th February. All timetables are available at the links below.
Station road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
045 431 417
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