IPPN

Published: 02 June 2009

Post-Graduate Certificate/Diploma in Special Educational Needs

(Autistic Spectrum Disorders)

Extension of Closing Date: June 23^rd 2009

The Post-Graduate Certificate/Diploma in Special Educational Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorders) is being provided by St. Angela's College, Sligo, the Special Education Support Service, (SESS) and Teacher Education Section (TES) of the Department of Education and Science (DES). This programme provides a post graduate qualification for support teachers working in the area of ASDs in mainstream primary and post-primary schools and for teachers in special classes, schools/units and other relevant educational settings.

This innovative course is based on current research and combines both practical and theoretical perspectives. Teachers can avail of courses elements outlined in the attached document on a regional basis, ensuring that this Certificate/Diploma is accessible nationwide. The Certificate/Diploma can be completed over a two-year time period giving flexibility to teachers. Accreditation is given for prior learning. Graduates may be eligible to progress to an MA in Special Educational Needs (Autistic Spectrum Disorders).

The first group of teachers is due to complete the programme in June 2009. Below are some of the comments from the participants who found that the programme greatly enhanced teaching and learning of pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorders:

• Information was very valuable and gave me a great understanding of ASD.
• The course has helped me as a teacher t breakdown the required skills for teaching

• The practical advise for children with ASD
• The course gave an insight on ASDs, the holistic approaches used in teaching children with ASDs and gave us confidence as teachers to go out there and try different methodologies / strategies when we are working with children with ASDs.
• The fact that courses were available in different regions meant that they were very easy to access.

The closing date for receipt of applications is now being extended to 23^rdJune, 2009.

DES Circular 0006/2009 referring to the course is available on the SESS website: www.sess.ie . Click this link to download the Application Form.

Yours Sincerely

________________________

Joan Crowley O'Sullivan

Director SESS

Aim: The aim of the programme will be to develop teachers' knowledge, understanding and skills in working with students with autistic spectrum disorders. The course comprises four modules, outlined below. Each module comprises various elements which must be completed. SESS will provide access to the various elements outlined for each module. Assessment is a critical element on completion of each module.

Module One	Understanding ASDs: Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Practice	Introductory Day SESS-4 Day Introductory Course Sensory, Motor and Relationship Perspectives of the child with ASD Understanding Autism (on-line) Class Visit-SESS Placement
Assessment Assignment
Module Two	Assessment, Planning and Curricular Access for Effective Learning by Students with ASDs	ABBLS, PEP3.T-TAP,IEPs Accessing the Curriculum & Differentiation ASD & Co-Morbidity Class Visit -SESS PECS Lámh TEACCH (2-day)
Assessment Assignment
Module Three	Teaching Approaches for Students with ASDs	Applied Behaviour Analysis (on-line) Social Stories Training Floor-Time TEACCH (5-day) Hanen Intensive Interaction Class Visit (SESS)
Assessment Assignment
Module Four	Implications for Supporting Students with ASDs with reference to Self-Management and Behaviour	Social Skills training Challenging Behaviour Contemporary Applied Behaviour Analysis courses Class Visit - SESS Class Visit (ABA)-SESS
Assessment Assignment

Assessment and Attendance: Participants will not necessarily be required to complete individual modules sequentially. However all elements of all modules must be completed within a two year period. The Certificate programme will entail a maximum of 23 release days from school. The Diploma programme will entail a maximum of 44 days release from school over a one or two year period. Attendance on a number of Saturdays at a central venue will be a requirement for course participants. Elements of each module are available locally/regionally. Travel to St. Angela's will be required on three occasions.

Class visits from SESS and St. Angela's College personnel for the purposes of support provision and practicum assessment respectively are an essential component of the programme.

Graduates of this programme also have the option to pursue a Master of Arts in Special Education Needs (ASD).