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Angela Furlong
Junior Infants Special Needs Assistant in Charleville, Co. Cork and current student on our part-time Bachelor of Science in Applied Approaches to Childhood Autism.
Can you tell us your name, job title, and the course you are studying at ATU?
Hi, my name is Angela Furlong and I’m from Co. Limerick; I am a Special Needs Assistant in a Junior Infant Autism Class in Charleville, Co. Cork. I am a student on the blended learning BSc Applied Approaches to Childhood Autism course in ATU Letterkenny.
Can you share your career path to date?
After finishing my Leaving Cert, I completed an industry-based Trainee Management Development Programme within the Hotel and Catering sector, after a few years in this area I changed roles to work in a Customer Support and Order Services position within a Limerick based Multinational. In 2023, I decided to change career direction and go back to education completing a Level 5 Major award in Special Needs Assisting (Community Health Services) in Charleville College of FET Co. Cork. This course included the SNA Level 5 and Level 6 modules. It was during this time that I started working as a Special Needs Assistant for the first time.
What does your current role involve?
As a Special Needs Assistant my role is focused on the care, support, safety, and wellbeing of the child during their school day while working under the instruction and guidance of the class teacher. Each day, I support the child’s participation in class in ways that are neuro-affirming and that honour their autonomy, communication style, sensory needs, and identity while always being mindful to work to their strengths and ensuring to scaffold these along the way.
What motivated you to start studying?
In 2024, I completed the National Training Programme for Special Needs Assistants in Inclusive School Support run by the Department of Education and UCD. I really enjoyed this course and after it was finished up, I knew I wanted to continue my studies and progress further with my education especially around the area of childhood Autism and early Interventions. I find this area so interesting and relevant to the work I do each day in school.
Why did you choose this course at ATU?
I remember reading the course overview for this programme initially last summer and being excited at the though of applying. I was attracted to the course as an SNA due to the offerings of practical approaches that I knew would be of benefit to me in my role each day and on my journey of further education.
How do you balance work and study?
I work full time and I am also a mom of 3, studying for me in a flexible manner works from the perspective that I can work it in when time is available to me. I find that weekends especially Saturday and Sunday morning are the best that work for me.
What advice would you have for anyone considering studying a flexible learning programme?
If it is something that you are thinking about at all, just go for it and do it .
Did you find the SUSI funding helped you?
Susi has helped me greatly, I would not be able to continue this journey without Susi support