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Professional Development Relevant to Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

Professional Development Related to Special Needs Assistants

The role of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) should be considered when considering professional development related to SNAs. Information is an Appendix attached to Circular SP.ED 07/02 provides the most clearly defined role of the SNA. Duties are assigned by the Principal Teacher in accordance with Circular 10/76. These duties, which should be supervised either by the Principal or by a class teacher, involve tasks of a non-teaching nature such as:

  1. Preparation and tidying up of classroom(s) in which the pupil(s) with special needs is/are being taught.
  2. Assisting children to board and alight from school buses. Where necessary travel as escort on school buses may be required.
  3. Special assistance as necessary for pupils with particular difficulties e.g. helping physically disabled pupils with typing or writing.
  4. Assistance with clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene.
  5. Assisting on out-of-school visits, walks and similar activities.
  6. Assisting the teachers in the supervision of pupils with special needs during assembly, recreational and dispersal periods.
  7. Accompanying individuals or small groups who may have to be withdrawn temporarily from the classroom.
  8. General assistance to the class teachers, under the direction of the Principal, with duties of a non-teaching nature. (SNAs may not act either as substitute or temporary teachers. In no circumstances may they be left in sole charge of a class).
  9. Where a Special Needs Assistant has been appointed to assist a school in catering for a specific pupil, duties should be modified to support the particular needs of the pupil concerned.

Click here for Circular SP.ED. 07/02 [PDF 33kb]

Courses for Special Needs Assistants

Some of the courses for the 2010-2011 academic year include:

  • SNA Introductory Course - 29th September to 7th December 2010
    This course is being run by Waterford Education Centre and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Contact Waterford Education Centre for details.

  • SNA Introductory Course - 29th September to 7th December 2010
    This course is being run by Limerick Education Centre and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.  Contact Limerick Education Centre for details.

  • SNA Certificate Course - 8th November to April 11th 2011 inclusive.
    Applicants must have completed the SNA Introductory Course. This course is being run by Mary Immaculate College in West Cork Education Centre. Contact West Cork Education Centre for details.

  • The Church of Ireland College, Rathmines also runs a certificate course for Special Needs Assistants