Education - Special Education

This programme, which is organised by the Department of Special Education, is for Learning Support teachers, Resource Teachers, LS/RTs, teachers in Special Schools, qualified teachers who are designated Learning Support or Resource Teachers, and who spend a minimum of 12 hours per week with students who need learning support or special education. Teachers employed by VECs as literacy and/or numeracy tutors in Youthreach, Community Projects or in the Prison Service who meet the criteria in the Circular. This leads to the award of a Graduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs, accredited by the University of Limerick.

This programme provides a broad overview of special educational needs and provision in the Irish context. In addition to offering an in-depth exploration of an SEN area of choice (Autism, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Mild General Learning Disabilities, Emotional & Behavioural Disorders, Down syndrome, etc.) for each participant, this course provides particular expertise in both ICT and the analysis of behaviour.

Aims

The aims of the programme are to provide substantial theoretical and practical training for teachers working with pupils with special educational needs and for teachers working with pupils requiring learning support teaching. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to acquire a wide range of practical skills, which will be of continuing benefit throughout their careers. Key aspects of the programme include:

Special Educational Needs: Theory, Research and Practice

Exploring Influences on Child Development, Learning and Behaviour

Language, Communication and Literacy

Curricular Provision: Meeting the holistic needs of pupils with SEN

Roles and Responsibilities in relation to SEN

Identifying and Managing SEN

The Enabling Role of ICT

Supervised placement in the teacher’s own school is an integral part of the programme. Continuous assessment applies throughout the academic year.