DVS has a number of courses for teachers. Those that are well recognized are the Pre-school course, Special Needs Education and the Cambridge Diploma. The intake for the pre-school course has been finalized, while the Special needs courses and Cambridge Diploma will commence this month.

DIPLOMA IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION
Current global trends in education have created a demand for Special Needs Educators worldwide. Global studies indicate that the need for qualified special educators and related service personnel will increase faster than most other professions in the next 10 years.

It is with this in mind that Ladies' College Department of Vocational Studies has designed three diploma level programmes for those in Education Management, Health Professionals, Teachers, Mid Career Professionals, Parents and School Leavers.

The three courses are the Diploma in Special Needs Education, Diploma in Specific Learning Disabilities and the On-line Diploma. The Programmes aim to give those who enrol both practical and theoretical skills and knowledge to work in educational settings with students who have special needs.

THE CHILD WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
A child has special needs if s/he has a learning difficulty, which may be as a result of specific learning disabilities, physical, health, intellectual or sensory impairments, emotional / behavioural problems, Speech and Language disorders or a developmental delay. These needs could be short term or long term.

WORK OF A SPECIAL NEEDS PROFESSIONAL
The work of special needs professionals can vary depending on the working environment and the individual needs of the students. This could include; helping students increase their confidence, self-esteem and independence, helping with students' school work in collaboration with a class/subject teacher, helping pupils who have difficulty communicating with others, including those whose first language is not English, assisting with students' physical needs, including hygiene and feeding, as well as assisting with therapy sessions.

QUALITIES OFA SPECIAL NEEDS PROFESSIONAL
Special Needs teachers are highly trained professionals who work with the belief that ALL children CAN achieve, provided they are supported in a manner conducive to their cognitive processing skills. Therefore SNE teachers adapt and develop materials to match the special needs of each student and use a variety of strategies to ensure that students with disabilities reach their potential. Special Needs Education professionals need to be creative problem solvers, team players, intelligent, organized and flexible and lifelong learners themselves; always prepared to meet the challenges of their profession with confidence and enthusiasm by looking beyond students' disabilities.

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA FOR TEACHERS AND TRAINERS
This prestigious course helps teachers develop skills that will enhance their teaching, making them more resourceful and versatile.

The Diploma also sets international performance standards for the skills, knowledge and understanding that are required in order to be competent and productive in any teaching or training role. The course is organized into four modules which reflect the key stages of the teaching and learning cycle namely, Design, Practice, Assessment and Evaluation. Each module is assessed by an assignment which is sent to Cambridge for grading.