SNA Courses – Practical, Relevant, Empowering
Mayo Education Support Centre’s suite of online courses offers practical strategies for SNAs who are supporting students with a variety of challenges such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, sensory needs, EAL, and more. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding or simply sharpen your toolkit, each course is designed to meet real classroom challenges with practical solutions. Flexible, accessible, and created by leading professionals in Irish education, each course will boost your confidence, skills, and impact in the classroom in the all important role of SNA.
Course have an approximate duration of 1- 2 hours, and so are ideal for completion during Croke Park hours. They are also suitable for individual study by SNA's, with each registrant receiving a certificate of completion.
This course offers a foundational and practical exploration of neurodiversity, with a focus on autism and affirming approaches that support inclusive, compassionate, and responsive educational environments.
Click to find out moreAs an SNA you can find yourself working with children who are attending EAL classes. Learn how you can best support these children as they learn to speak a new language.
Click to find out moreThis course will be based around the L1LP (Level 1 Learning Program) and the L2LP (Level 2 Learning Program). Modules will be video based and accompanied by resources, links, tips and guidance to create a positive learning experience for you and the students you will be working with!
Click to find out moreChildren struggling with anxiety can find the school environment overwhelming—and as an SNA, you play a vital role in offering the support they need to feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. But knowing how to help can feel challenging. This practical, easy-to-follow course gives you six essential tools to confidently support anxious children in the classroom. You’ll gain a clear understanding of anxiety—how it presents, why it happens, and what works to help children feel more secure and regulated.
Click to find out moreAnger is a big emotion, and the outbursts it can trigger are often stressful and challenging to manage in a school environment.As an SNA, you play a crucial role in helping children navigate their emotions—but knowing how to respond effectively, without escalating the situation, can be tough. This practical and engaging course will give you a clear understanding of anger—why it happens, where it comes from, and how to support children through it.
Click to find out moreThis engaging and practical course is designed for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) who want to deepen their understanding of sensory processing and the role of sensory play in supporting children with additional needs.
Participants will explore how sensory processing impacts learning and behaviour, learn to identify sensory sensitivities and needs, and discover strategies to create inclusive, sensory-friendly environments.
SNAs will learn about the eight sensory systems of the body and will gain confidence in using sensory play to enhance regulation, engagement, and development in the children they support.
Click to find out moreThis short course provides a basic introduction for SNAs/ANAs working with students with ADHD. It aims to help SNAs/ANAs build the knowledge, confidence, and strategies to support these students.
Participants will explore what ADHD is, and what it is not, addressing common misconceptions and gaining a clearer understanding of how ADHD can impact learning, behaviour, and relationships in school.
Click to find out moreDiscover comprehensive insights into Dyslexia to empower you to provide better support for the children in your school.
Click to find out moreSupporting students with toileting and enuresis (incontinence challenges) in the school setting requires a developmentally informed, holistic approach. This course is designed for SNAs to provide practical strategies that promote independence, dignity, and confidence in managing toileting.
Click to find out moreSupporting a child with Dyslexia in the primary school setting requires understanding, patience, and effective strategies. This course is designed specifically for SNAs in mind by providing clear, no-nonsense information about Dyslexia—what it is, how it affects children, and the impact it can have on learning. With a practical approach, this course will equip SNAs with essential knowledge and strategies to support children with Dyslexia effectively. Through factual insights, real-world examples, and expert guidance, SNAs will gain a deeper understanding of Dyslexia and how to respond with confidence and empathy.
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