Professional Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education (ONLINE)
The three-level programme embodies an in-depth and research-based approach to the field of Special Needs and Inclusive Education. Research has shown that mental health issues and neurodevelopmental disorders affect about 10% to 15% of the children and adolescents in the world. With this understanding, this programme is grounded with the latest research, evidence-based practices as well as supported by several case studies so that learners are able to appreciate the theories and practice. With this approach, learners will develop critical skills while examining the historical and contemporary issues relating to Inclusive and Special Needs Education policies, teaching methodologies as well as accessibility designs to overcome learning disabilities and disorders.
The experts of this programme bring with them both extensive knowledge and practical skills. This will guide, support and raise learners’ awareness along with deep learning in each module of the programme. This level will serve as a crucial stepping stone for participants to have the knowledge and skills in dealing with daily life issues relating to inclusion.
The Professional Diploma is accredited by the International Association of Therapists. The programme represents practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competencies that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to a three-year undergraduate degree programme. Graduates could gain a maximum of two module exemptions of the Practising Licence Programmes with the renowned professional body International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT) based in the United States of America (USA).
The IACT is a prestigious professional body that admit any member who have fulfilled the rigorous Practising Licence Programmes and requirements to obtain practising membership as a counselor and therapist. Membership with the IACT is a mark of high standard and excellence. Practising members are not only knowledgeable, skilled but are also highly respected as well. They are eligible to set up therapy or special education needs centres globally, and provide intervention and therapy programs from children, adolescents to adults with special education needs.
Merlion Academy is authorised to supervise and verify candidates’ work seeking to obtain IACT’s practising license and be admitted as a member.
Learners must complete 12 modules of this course programme covering the 3-year period:
Level 1 Modules
Unit 1: Introduction to Major Theories to Child Development
Unit 2: Developmental Delays in Early Childhood Development
Unit 3: Theoretical Models of Learning & Memory
Unit 4: Meta-cognition - Gateway to Improved Learning Outcomes
Unit 1: The Underlying Idea of Inclusive & Special Education
Unit 2: Disability - Inclusive Developmental Approach
Unit 3: The Practice of Inclusive & Special Education
Unit 4: Disability-Inclusive Development Approach
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Universal Design
Unit 2: Domains of Universal Design
Unit 3: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Unit 4: Assistive Technology & Formative Assessment in UDL
Unit 1: Theories and Theorists of Intelligence
Unit 2: Introduction to Broad and Narrow Abilities
Unit 3: Mental Potentials of the Mind
Unit 4: The Magnitude of Memory
Level 2 Modules
Unit 1: Pre-screening: Observations and Documentation
Unit 2: Screening as Part of the Assessment Framework
Unit 3: Screening Assessments: Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation
Unit 4: From Response to Intervention (RTI) & Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS ) to Formal Referral
Unit 1: Introduction to Nosology & Nosography
Unit 2: Disability Categories & Their Subtypes (including twice exceptional)
Unit 3: Range of Learning Disturbances
Unit 4: Range of Behaviour Disturbances
Unit 1: Collaborative Consultation and Its Stakeholders
Unit 2: Case Management: A Service Delivery Model to Support Learners with Disabilities and Special Needs
Unit 3: Collaborative Consultation & Co-teaching for Learners with Disabilities and Special Needs
Unit 4: Development and Function of an Individualised Education Program (IEP)
Unit 1: Treatment in Inclusive and Special Education
Unit 2: Allied Treatment Professionals for Learners with Disabilities and Special Needs
Unit 3: Evidence-based Interventions (EBI) for the Classrooms
Unit 4: Diagnosis, Label, Self-image and Stigma
Level 3 Modules
Unit 1: Assistive Technologies: Level the Playing Field
Unit 2: Assistive Technologies: From Low or No Tech to High Tech
Unit 3: Overcoming Barriers to Assistive Technology in the Classroom
Unit 4: Frameworks for Evaluating Assistive Technology
Unit 1: The Cost of Reading Failure
Unit 2: Cost Realities of Inclusive and Special Education (ISE)
Unit 3: The Economy of False Hope
Unit 4: Progressive Universalism and the Return on Investment (ROI) in Early Intervention
Unit 1: Impacts of a Pandemic for Learners with Disabilities or Special Needs
Unit 2: Relevant Curriculum in Inclusive and Special Education
Unit 3: Is Inclusive Education for Everyone?
Unit 4: The Future of Inclusive and Special Education
Unit 1: The Fundamentals of Educational Research
Unit 2: Qualitative Methods for Research in Inclusive and Special Education
Unit 3: Planning for Observational Research
Unit 4: Mini Observational Research Project
Assessment:
- Assessment is based on coursework, assignments and essays with no formal examinations
- Guided learning hours to fulfill: 480 hours per year of study.
- Credits to attain: 120 credits per level
- 220 hours work placement in special education and/or therapy center
Duration:
36 months
Entry Requirements:
Age
17 years and above
Minimum qualification
1. General Cambridge Examination (GCE) Advanced Level – (2 passes and a pass in English Language paper at GCE Ordinary Level); or
2. Mature candidate – 21 years old and above with
i. a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience and meeting the English Requirement; or
ii. GCE Ordinary Level – 3 passes (a pass in English Language paper); or
iii. GCE Normal Level – 5 passes (a pass in English Language paper) or equivalent.
English requirement
1. Pearson Test of English (PTE) 51; or
2. IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5); or
3. TOEFL 59
5. Equivalent (such as Pearson Versant English Test).
Course Fees:
(Non-refundable one-time application fee of SGD 95.00 is payable upon application)
Program fee
SGD 2,250.00 per module
Marking fee
SGD 200.00 per module
Payment mode
Stripe / Credit card / Alipay
Refund Terms
90% – more than 28 days before course commencement
50% – less than 28 days before course commencement
10% – less than 3 days before course commencement
0% – more than 3 days after the course commencement
