what are the qualifications you need to work in special needs?

Question

i have a level 3 DCE qualification in childcare

Answer 1

Well I know this is not the answer you are looking for, but I thought I would say it anyway.

As a disabled person I, as well as many other disabled people' hate the term 'special needs'. Labelling disabled people as 'special' leads to us being treated differently and often badly. We want to be treated just the same as everyone else. OK, we may have additional needs, but surely we deserve the same respect as everyone else.

I do believe that labelling us as 'special' denies us the right to be treated as equals and often leads to us being 'pitied'. People who do this don't realise the harm they are causing. How would they like it if someone came along and patted them on their heads and said 'ah, you poor thing'?

Answer 2

As a teacher, I know EXACTLY what you mean by special needs and it is a perfectly acceptable term!
To work as a TA, or Classroom assistant in a school you will be fine with the qualification you have, although I would reccommend some voluntary work experience before you start a job. It can be a very challenging role, especially if the special needs children are those who are let's say behaviourally challenged! If you want to teach, you will need a PGCE, a BEd (Bachelor of Education) or take a course called SCITT, which is school centred. You should also opt for a specialism in SEN (Special Educational Needs).
Hope this is useful

Answer 3

You don't need any particular qualifications, though your childcare qualification will help you if that's the career you want.

There's a major recruitment crisis all over social services, they're desperate for people willing to work all across the learning/physical disabilities sector.

If this is something you want to work in give your local authority a ring. They're all doing big pushes on recruitment and have lots of useful literature available.

Answer 4

none my sister works in special needs, and when she first started all she had was a childcare qualification, she went to college and did a 'care' qualification in NVQ level 2, and got a job at the same time in a care home, now shes doing her level 3 which her work is helping her to do.

Answer 5

I work at a secondary school with special needs children.
I was employed with no qualifications in this area. I have been working there for 6 years now and have gained a lot of experience and qualifications since starting.
It does depend on where you want to work and what you want to do.
Hope this helps

Answer 6

hi i am thinking that you can use this qualifacation to work with children with special needs.

Answer 7

a clean background