Expand Your SNA Qualifications with Intellectual Disability Practice Award (5M1761)
Are you looking to expand your qualifications and skills while working as an SNA? If you have already completed Special Needs Assistant Level 5 or 6, and you want to learn more about intellectual disabilities and how to support children to live inclusive independent lives, our Intellectual Disability Practice major Awards (QQI 5M1761) may be the right course for you. This qualification will increase your skill set and knowledge, and can open new opportunities for career growth.
Special needs assistants play a crucial role in supporting children with additional needs whether you’re working in a mainstream or special school, A level 5 or 6 QQI Special needs assistant qualification equips SNAs with foundational Knowledge and Skills to support children with additional education needs, enabling them to access education and enjoy a fulfilling school life.
To continue providing the highest level of support Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is essential. Ongoing training allows SNA’s to stay up to date with best practice, enhance their skills and ensure they meet the evolving needs of the learners they support.
Many children who require support of an SNA may have an Intellectual Disability (ID). To deepen your understanding of intellectual disabilities and develop more advanced skills to support children with ID, we recommend the Intellectual Disability Practice (QQI 5M1761) major award. This qualification provides in-depth knowledge of the social emotional and developmental challenges individuals with intellectual disabilities may face and prepares you to support them in a more holistic and person-centered way.
The Course covers:
An introduction to intellectual disabilities; understand the different types of intellectual disabilities and their causes
Understanding positive behavior support; you will learn strategies to work with behaviors of concern in a positive and proactive way
Empowement, learn the skills needed to promote independence, work in a person centred way and how to develop personal plans for individual students
Community inclusion; learn how to support children to access their community and enjoy every day places
Facilitated learning; learn the skills to support children learn with these practical teaching and learning strategies.
Theories of intellectual disabilities; Learn the most progressive theories and practice to support people with intellectual disabilities live in dependent inclusive lives.
Legislation and advocacy; Learn about the rights of individuals with intellectual disability and how to support their needs within legal frameworks.
Why is it beneficial for special needs assistants?
Enhanced skill set
As an SNA you already have experience supporting students with a range of needs, by adding the intellectual disability practice major award to your qualified qualifications you will gain specialised skills and deeper insight into intellectual disability giving you a more holistic approach to support.
Increased employability
Many schools look for staff who have both practical experience and relevant qualifications. Having an Intellectual Disability Practice Major Award qualification shows that you’re dedicated to understanding the specific needs of students with intellectual disabilities and that you have the theoretical and practical knowledge to back it up. Holding this qualification gives you a competitive edge in recruitment, by showcasing your commitment to professional growth.
Boosted confidence
With more specialised training you will feel more confident in your ability to handle complex situations and challenges. Whether you are supporting a student in the school setting or assisting a person in a residential care home this qualification provides the tools to deal with a variety of situations with professionalism and expertise.
Career advancement
The intellectual disability practice qualification opens doors to more specialised roles it can lead to opportunities in positions such as;
- Residential support worker
- Community support worker
- Social care worker
- healthcare assistance in intellectual disability settings
If you already hold a level five or level six qualification in special needs assisting the pathway to obtaining the Intellectual Disability Practice major award is more streamlined than you might think, rather than starting from scratch you can build from your existing module, and complete the intellectual disability major Award by taking only seven additional modules outlined here:
Mandatory Modules:
- Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652)
- Empowering the Individual (5N1749)
- Community Inclusion (5N1740)
- Facilitating Learning (5N1753)
- Communications (5N0690)
- Work Practice (5N1433)
Electives (Choose two):
- Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)- Already Completed or your Level 6 is recognised!
- Positive Behaviour Support (Challenging Behaviour- 5N1706)
- Person Centred Focus to Disability (5N1728)
- Applied Behavioural Analysis (5N1729)
- Social Studies (5N1370)
- Care Skills (5N2770)
The Intellectual disability practice major award is fantastic qualification for those who are already working as Special needs assistants, it offers specialised knowledge and practical tools to enhance the support you provide children with intellectual disabilities, whether you’re looking to advance your career, increase your expertise or broaden your employment opportunities, this qualification is a perfect next step.
If you’re ready to begin your journey into care work, now is the time to take that first step.
