Certificate in Inclusive Education and Training

NFQ Level 6

Start your journey in Special Needs Assisting (SNA). Learn how to deliver inclusive education. Build a career helping others to learn in inclusive settings.
Inclusive care representation with diverse paper cutouts

Available Locations:

Letterkenny
(Ref: 504276)
Starts: 14/09/2026
37 Weeks
Letterkenny
(Ref: 504276)

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process. 

What You'll Learn

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Support individuals with additional needs using best practices in Special Needs Assisting (SNA) across inclusive settings.
  • Demonstrate leadership through effective planning, motivation, and communication in support-focused environments.
  • Apply your knowledge in real-world settings through hands-on work experience.
  • Promote disability awareness by exploring its social, legal, and personal impacts and advocating for inclusion.
  • Design and deliver health promotion initiatives that enhance community wellbeing.
  • Support positive mental health in educational and care environments.
  • Use inclusive practices to foster participation and achievement for all learners.
  • Apply differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs fairly and supportively.

Erasmus + Work placement in Spain.

Selected students will have the opportunity to apply for three-week work experience project in a European city where they can experience another culture; learn the basics of another language and enhance professional and personal knowledge and training. This course includes the cost of travel and accommodation of participants.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 6 Certificate in Inclusive Education and Training.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

 

This course takes place in person, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and half day on a Friday.

 

Timetable
Day Morning Afternoon Evening
Mon ✔ ✔
Tue ✔ ✔
Wed ✔ ✔
Thu ✔ ✔
Fri ✔

 

Module Title
6N1957 Special Needs Assisting
6N1948 Team Leadership
6N1946 Work Experience
6N1975 Disability Awareness
6N2214 Health Promotion
6N2209 Mental Health Awarness
6N2226 Inclusive Education Practice
6N2225 Differentiated Learning & Instruction

 

Progression / Career

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree courses at Institutes of Technology and Universities.

Graduates can pursue further studies at Level 7 and beyond in areas such as education, social care, psychology, or disability studies, opening pathways to roles in teaching, inclusion coordination, or educational leadership.

You may progress to employment in educational settings as Special Needs Assistants or support workers, contributing to inclusive learning environments in schools, early years settings, and community programmes.

 

Entry Requirements

  • Students need to have level 5 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.
  • Students must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
  • According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

€230

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

Man standing near a silver bus on a sunny city street
While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,
ELC Course Testimonial
“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate
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“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate
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“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate
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“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate
Lisa Doherty Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies
“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie

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