Down Syndrome
Introduction
Children are most successful in their learning when teachers and others hold high expectations and provide quality instruction and learning opportunities tailored to their individual strengths and needs. Developed in collaboration with Down Syndrome Ireland, this course is designed to equip schools and educators to provide the highest quality of education to students with Down syndrome.
About the course
The most common cause of a learning disability, Down syndrome is a genetic condition, which results from an extra chromosome. While each child is unique, children with Down syndrome usually develop more slowly than their peers, but not all areas of development are affected equally and they also have areas of relative strength. Being aware of the strengths and needs of pupils with Down syndrome enables teachers to devise appropriate instructional programmes and supports, which promote engagement, progress and success in learning. This increases the motivation, enjoyment and achievement of pupils.
The main focus of this course is to build the capacity of teachers and schools to provide appropriate educational experiences, which are tailored to the individual needs and abilities of students with Down syndrome in inclusive contexts. There is a strong emphasis on practical evidence-based approaches, which are directly applicable in the classroom and across the whole-school context.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is designed for teachers, SNAs, psychologists and other professionals. It may also be helpful for parents who want more detailed information about the development and education of children and young people with Down syndrome.
Approved by the Department of Education
This course is approved by the Department of Education.
Three EPV days will be allowed for primary school teachers who take the course during the summer term. Please note this provision applies only to the summer term as per Department guidelines.
This course has four terms each year, Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.
Designed for educators in settings across the age range, this course provides the latest research, detailed information and practical skills and strategies essential to delivering effective education and support to children and young people with Down syndrome. It will equip you with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the specific developmental and educational implications of Down syndrome and will build your capacity to adapt instruction and implement evidence-based approaches at an individual and whole-school level. You will also acquire a working knowledge of teaching strategies designed to develop literacy, speech, language and communication skills, numeracy and memory skills, social skills and motor skills. In addition, you will be encouraged to develop and implement best practice approaches and policies at the level of the classroom and in your own school in relation to supporting students with Down syndrome.
The focus of the course is to provide educators with proven educational approaches and teaching strategies, which are designed to maximise progress for children with Down syndrome. The course will also provide an overview and background to emerging values and themes in the education of children and young people with Down syndrome. The topics include inclusion and best practice approaches, the specific learning needs of students with Down syndrome, the differentiated curriculum, supporting students with differing levels of learning disability, promoting choice and autonomy, helping students build life skills, working with parents as partners, developing individual education plans for students with Down syndrome and planning for transitions.
Highlights
- Develop a wealth of detailed knowledge on the education of children with Down syndrome.
- Build your capacity to adapt instruction with an emphasis on visual supports and concrete materials.
- Learn to develop Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) for your students with down syndrome.
- Learn to apply practical strategies for developing literacy, language and communication skills.
- Discover the latest evidence-based approaches for enhancing memory, social skills and motor skills.
- Implement best-practice policies in classroom and whole-school contexts to support students with Down syndrome.
- Enjoy rich opportunities for collaboration with our online network of learners and tutors.
- Save printable course materials and resources for future reference.
Interactive Learning Assignments accompany each module. Each student is also required to complete a Reflective Assignment as well as a CPD record.
On completion, you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development and a Learning Log of your work, which can be included in your CPD portfolio.
All our tutors specialise in the area of learning disabilities and will provide you with one-to-one guidance as you complete your studies online.
Technical support is provided by our dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who are available to assist you by telephone or email.
Our courses are designed for educators, special needs professionals, parents and anyone with an interest in special needs education or positive psychology. Our courses are particularly suitable for those who require flexibility and freedom in accessing professional education and updating their skills.
Our courses are 20 hours long, fully online and can be completed entirely at your own pace over the term. It will be possible to download each module and print it off to study in your own time offline if you prefer.
Our courses run four times a year, in Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.
You can enrol online here or by calling +35316510618. Due to the self paced, flexible nature of the course we accept enrolments right up to 1 week before each term ends.
No, the courses are very user friendly and the skills necessary are quite basic and easily learned. We will be available to provide any technical assistance you need during the course.
You will need a computer with e-mail and access to the internet. Everything else you need for the course is provided though our integrated learning management system – this is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
These courses are suitable for people who have busy schedules but still want the opportunity to receive high quality professional development at a time that suits them.
We provide all the supports necessary to make this online learning experience a success for you. You will have access to our expert tutors who are available via email throughout the duration of your course during working hours from Monday to Friday. Technical support is also available through email and we can also be contacted by telephone at +35316510618.
Our learning management system logs all student activity online. This tells us if a student has accessed all the course material.
At the end of each module we ask students to contribute to an online forum for that module.
At the end of the entire course students are required to write a reflective assignment on the learning they gained from the course.
These activities are included in your 20 hours of study time.
Following successful completion of your course you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development which you can include on your CV.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:
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COURSE DATES
Spring term
10th February - 6th April 2025
LAST ENROLMENT DATE
3rd April 2025
MAY/JUNE SNA TERM
To be confirmed
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DURATION
20 hours of self paced study any time during the term
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APPROVED BY
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FEES
€150.00
