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Understanding Special Needs (FETAC Level 5)

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• Course Fee: Special Launch Offer – Now only: €274.50
• Was: €549
• FETAC Level 5 Minor Certificate in Understanding Special Needs (5N1709).
• Distance learning/eLearning home study course leading to a FETAC award.
• There are no lectures to attend, and all course materials are provided.
• New Validated Award – 5N1709.

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Course Details:

This new module is designed to give learners an understanding of the context of special needs, associated issues with special needs and approaches to ensuring the needs of children with special needs are met. Learners will gain broad knowledge of a range of special needs, the cause, treatment and interventions also.

Learners who complete this module will:

• Appreciate the context of children with special needs in Ireland.
• Be aware of the range and characteristics of the more common types of special needs conditions
• Be aware of the importance of working as part of the multidisciplinary team and understanding the value of good communication skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of best practice when working with children who have special needs.
• Become aware of legislative and policy developments relating to children with special needs as well as an understanding the history of special needs in Ireland.
• Gain an understanding of the different learning programmes and therapy available to help children with special needs.
• Be aware of the issues faced by the child with the special need as well as the issues faced by the family on a daily basis.
• Be aware of local and national services available for those with special needs.
• Gain an understanding of the issues associated with working in specialist settings in public, private and voluntary childcare educational environments.

Course documentation for this course is detailed, comprehensive and easy to read. This distance learning FETAC accredited course means that students can study flexibly at home, or at work, while gaining an Internationally Recognised Qualification.

Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.

Who should complete this course?

• People who wish to acquire the skills and competence required to work effectively, under direction in a special needs setting.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

• Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.
• Students must be competent in both written and spoken English.
• As part of the assessment criteria for this course students’ will need to carry out practical demonstrations, all candidates who enrol for this course must have the agreement from their supervisor/manager in the work place to oversee their practical work. Garda Vetting will be required if you are not already in a work environment. Please ask for details and forms.
• As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
• If you take this course by distance learning the course material will be posted to you. You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.
• If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.
• For more details on participation suitability of this course click here».

Progression to further Studies:

• This course leads to a level 5 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
• Students who successfully complete this programme may use this Level 6 credit towards completing a Major FETAC in any of the following areas:

Assessment:

This course is assessed through a number of assessments including a Learner Record and two Assignments to demonstrate their understanding of various topics. Detailed Assessment briefs are included with the course materials. These will include:

Learner Record 40%
Assignmnet 60%.

Learner Record – 40% of Marks

Learners are required to compile a learner record which must be drawen from experiences and challenges they faced in their work placement. It must inlcude reflections on their experiences and challenges, an examination of the values associated with working in the special needs environment and identifiy their personal learning and development.

Assignment No. 1 – 30% of Marks

Learners are required to carry out a case study of special needs care in Ireland today.  The topics covered will be the history of special needs services and provision in Ireland. Current legislation relating to the provision of care for those with special needs in Ireland today. The role of those in supporting positions. Key elements of good practices when working with those who have special needs example advocacy, independence, confidentiality etc.

Assignment No. 2- 30% of Marks

Learners are required to carry out a case study of a special need (learning disability) they are interested in.

Grading:
Pass 50 – 64%
Merit 65 – 79%
Distinction 80 – 100%

Accreditation:

• Following successful completion you will receive a FETAC level 5 Minor Certificate in Understanding Special Needs (5N1709).
• The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. The Open College is registered with FETAC to offer programmes leading to FETAC awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland. Click here for details of the National Framework of Qualifications.
• Click here for more detailed Accreditation information.
• There is a €85.00 registration fee payable to include administration, moderation and FETAC accreditation.

Request a Free 2013 Prospectus:
»Click here to Request Prospectus

Further Study Options:
»Click here to view some further study options.