Current trends in education advocates the student centred learning. Diversity of learners require individuals in Education Management, Health Professionals, Teachers, Parents and those aspiring to be Teachers to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond. Parents and educational professionals often seek ways of addressing learning, behaviour and emotional problems which are encountered within the learning environments. Not only is there a need to address curriculum demands such as reading, writing and math but there is also a need for knowledge and skills to create meaningful opportunities for students with special educational needs.

SPECIAL NEEDS PROFESSIONAL
Current global trends in education have created a demand for Special Needs Educator 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.

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.

Special Needs Education professionals require cultivating a range of qualities as they are called upon to take on the challenge of stimulating students who have been deemed to be limited or incapable in their abilities. They 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.

The Ladies' College Department of Vocational Studies has designed three diploma level Programmes to provide the practical and theoretical skills and knowledge to work in diverse educational settings.