Special Needs Assisting Studies – Community Care Award 5M2786 | 5M2786

Course modules

5N2705 Care Provision and Practice
5N1794 Safety & Health at Work
5N1279 Human Growth & Development
5N0690 Communications
5N1356 Work Experience
5N2770 Care Skills
5N1652 Intellectual Disability Studies
5N1786 Special Needs Assisting
5M2786

What will I learn?

This 1-year part-time course equips students with a skillset to work as special needs assistants (SNAs) in a variety of areas. This includes primary schools, secondary schools, healthcare, and community support.

How is this course taught?

This part time course is taught in person. Classes take place in the Castlemill Education Centre in Balbriggan.

When will this course take place?

This course will start in early September 2024 and will finish in late April 2025. Students will have holidays during midterm breaks, Easter and Christmas.

Who can apply for this course?

Adults who live in the Fingal area, and who are interested in working as SNAs, can apply for this course. To ensure that you are offered a place on a course which is at the right level for you and appropriate to your learning needs all applicants are assessed prior to placement on the course. A high level of English language and IT skills are required for the course.

Work Experience Placement

Work experience is a core element of this programme. Students will be required to complete 60 hours of placement over the course. All students need to be Garda Vetted for this course, which will be processed through the Adult Education Service.

Am I eligible for course funding?

Students on this course are eligible for funding if:

  • they are an early school leaver, or
  • they are receiving a social welfare payment, or
  • they are receiving a carer’s payment, or
  • they have a medical card or G.P. card, or
  • they are signing for credits.

How do I apply?

  • Click here to apply online,
  • Call 01 841 7763 to apply over the phone,
  • Email kevinmccabe@ddletbaes.ie if you have questions about the application process or would like more course information,
  • Visit our centres to apply in person. Locations can be found below.

Centre Locations

Castlemill Education Centre, Balbriggan K32 P237

Sarsfield House, Balbriggan K32 KX82