Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852) was the founder of the Kindergarten. The college takes its name from him and bases its educational practice on his philosophy. Froebel advocated reverence for every child, learning through activity, exploration of the local environment as integral to education, and enjoyment of beauty in all its manifestations. He urged teachers to recognise the gifts in all children, regardless of ability or behaviour. Froebel education places the child at the centre of practice. The philosophy of Froebel is consistent with the goals of the National Curriculum and contemporary theories of inclusive special education.

• The focus on best practice in inclusive settings.
• It has a flexible, modular format.
• Sessions are convened on weekends/weeknight dependent on demand.

• Supporting and Developing Literacy Skills
• Supporting and Developing Mathematical Skills
• Developmental Play and Developmental PE
• The Creative Arts and Children with Special Needs
• The Role of Assessment in Resource Teaching
• Consulting & Co-operating with Mainstream Teachers
• Scheduling and Record Keeping for the Resource Teacher
• ICT Applications for Children with Special Needs
• General Learning Disabilities and Emotional and or behavioural Difficulties
• Prevalence and Aetiology of Special Needs Conditions
• Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention Strategies
• Development of Individual Educational Programmes/Plans
• Differentiating the Curriculum by Using the Local Environment
• Working As a Member of a Multi-disciplinary Team

Each module requires written assignments and classroom-based work. Course modules include:

• Inclusive Special Education Practice
• Assessment in Special Education
• Differentiating the mainstream curriculum
• Development of Individual Educational Plans

The Introductory module offers a general overview of special education conditions; current DES policy on special education; education law as it relates to special education; signs and symptoms of special education conditions; introduction to reading and mathematical disorders; the basics of assessment; introduction to IEP's; managing your case load.

Modules 2-3 (30 Hours + 30 Hours)

These modules provide deeper content into literacy and mathematical disabilities, assessment and remediation, managing challenging behaviour, development of IEP's, gathering pre and post test data, assessing current level of educational functioning, and other relevant content related to the role of the resource teacher.

Modules 4-5 (30 Hours + 30 Hours)

These modules provide detailed and comprehensive content on all the above and includes information related to teaching children with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Emotional and Behavioural Disorders, and the psychology of the exceptional child.

Module 5

Supervised Teaching Practice

Participants must proceed sequentially through the course schedule.

The programme is intensive and requires considerable classroom practice and study. Participants will master the skills necessary for inclusive special education provision for all children with special education needs.

Total Diploma Course: €1.980