**Coming Soon** Early Learning and Care –
QQI Level 7 Major Award*

Each module aims to equip future and current educators and student support professionals with the tools to navigate the landscape of special education provision in Ireland; the tools and dispositions to provide the best practice and care for the children and students they engage with, and to think critically about their roles as professionals within the communities in which they will work. Using Bronfenbrenner’s theory of ecological systems as the theoretical underpinning for this programme keeps the student at the heart of the training, practice, and professionalism.  In every module a combination of core special education and care competencies and skills to support children, adolescents, and adults with special education needs and physical or intellectual disabilities in any educational setting.

The programme is designed to arc back on itself to allow the learner to deepen and apply critical thinking and skills to concepts, theories, and techniques already encountered in the previous module(s).

Module One: Introduction to Special Education – This module gives the learner an introduction to Special Education to include the current political, policy, and practice landscape of Special Education in Ireland, and Internationally. Learners will also examine their own understandings of inclusion, equality, disability, and accessibility and their role as an Educator, Special Needs Assistant, or Student Support Professional. The medical and social models of disability are examined as well as effective communications and building relationships.

Module Two: Identifying & Navigating Educational Obligations – This module will give learners a broad overview of different categories of disabilities, conditions, and educational or medical needs and identify methods, techniques, and aids in the classroom or educational setting to help the student engage in a way that is strengths-based and recognises the person first. This module looks across the lifespan of the student and considers the impacts of transitions, supports, biological factors such as puberty, old age etc., as well as the intersection of gender, cultural, and societal factors. Learners will be introduced to medical assessments and how to interpret them accordingly.

Module Three: Effectively Supporting Students in an Education Setting. This module gives the learners the skills and competencies to effectively assess, analyse, plan, and communicate with students with education and care needs. Learners are taught how children, adolescents, and adults learn and how to break down tasks to small, concrete manageable steps to support the students in their learning, social, and care needs. Assistive technologies will be introduced and used as part of the module to illustrate the universal accessibility available.