Introduction:
This comprehensive 12-week course equips aspiring Shadow Teachers and Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) with the foundational knowledge and practical strategies required to effectively support students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The program focuses on inclusion, behavior management, classroom adaptation, safeguarding, and collaboration with educational professionals in alignment with UAE’s special education framework.
Certified Shadow Teacher / Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certification of Completion along with additional certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Internship placement experience.
Who Should Attend for Shadow Teacher / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Program?
✓ Aspiring Shadow Teachers or LSAs
✓ Current teaching professionals looking to transition into inclusive education roles
✓Parents or caregivers seeking knowledge to support SEN children
✓ School assistants or paraprofessionals involved in classroom support
Prerequisites forhadow Teacher / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Program:
✓ Minimum high school diploma or equivalent
✓Passion and willingness to work with students with special needs
✓ Proficiency in English (instruction medium)
Topics Covered In Shadow Teacher / Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Program:
✓ History and Philosophy of Special Education in the UAE
✓ Rules and Regulations of Special Education Programs
✓ Role and Responsibilities of Shadow Teachers / LSAs
✓ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
✓ Child Development & Learning Theories
✓ Understanding and Supporting Students with SEN
✓ Behaviour Management & Emotional Support
✓ Communication & Collaboration with Inclusion Teams
✓ Classroom Support Techniques
✓ Safeguarding and Child Protection
✓ Assessment and Monitoring Progress
✓ Promoting Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
Points To Note:
✓ Attendance is mandatory for certification.
✓ OJT placement is facilitated but subject to performance and availability.
✓ Monthly exams are designed to assess understanding and practical application.
✓ Certification includes participation in BLS and internship.
Special Education Needs and Disability
Shadow Teacher / Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Course Duration: 12 Weeks
Class: Once a week
Class Hours: 3 Hours
Class Delivery: Face to face
Materials: PowerPoint, Book
Learning Objectives
- Understand the Roles and Responsibilities of Shadow Teacher or LSA
- Support Student with Learning Difficulties
- Understand Behaviour Management
- Communicate and Collaborate with Inclusion Team
- Support Classroom routines and Adaptation
- Understand Safeguarding and Child Protection
Course Outline
-
History and Philosophy of Special Education in the UAE
- Overview of History of Special Education in the UAE
- Philosophy, Vision and Mission for Special Education
- Goals for UAE Ministry of Education
-
General Rules for Special Education Programs
- Special Education Categories and Services
- Identification Procedures
- Administration and Organizational Structure
- Parent/Guardian Rights and Responsibilities
-
Introduction to the Role
- Overview of LSA/Shadow Teacher role
- Responsibilities, mainstream vs SEN settings
-
Understanding and implementing IEP
- Components and importance of IEP
- How IEPs support inclusion
-
Child Development & Learning Theories
- Developmental stages and learning theories (Piaget, Vygotsky)
- Recognizing learning difficulties
-
Supporting Students with SEN
- Common SEN types (ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, etc.)
- Inclusion strategies and resource adaptation
-
Behaviour Management & Emotional Support
- Positive behaviour support, managing meltdowns
- Emotional regulation and trauma-informed approaches
-
Communication & Collaboration with Inclusion Team
- Working with teachers, parents, and therapists
- Professionalism, teamwork, confidentiality
-
Classroom & Learning Support Techniques
- Supporting literacy, numeracy, independence
- Managing routines, transitions, small group support
-
Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Signs of abuse, reporting, legal responsibilities
-
Assessment and Progress Monitoring
- Formative/summative assessment support
- Observation and intervention tracking
-
Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
- Inclusive education principles
- Cultural sensitivity, bias awareness
Class Proper
- Week 1: History and Philosophy of Special Education in the UAE
- Week 2: General Rules for Special Education Programs
- Week 3: Introduction to the Learning Support Assistant / Shadow Teacher
- Week 4: Understanding and Implementing IEP (1st Monthly Exam)
- Week 5: Child Development & Learning Theories
- Week 6: Supporting Students with SEN
- Week 7: Behaviour Management & Emotional Support
- Week 8: Communication & Collaboration with Inclusion Team (2nd Monthly Exam)
- Week 9: Classroom & Learning Support Techniques
- Week 10: Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Week 11: Assessment and Progress Monitoring
- Week 12: Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
Final Exam | Graduation | BLS | OJT or Internship
Fee
1800 – 2500 AED for Dual Course (Based on market rate)
Includes
- Graduation
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- OJT / Internship
Following Qualifications To Pursue:
✓ Certified Shadow Teacher / Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Materials Provided:
✓ PowerPoint presentations
✓ Textbook/Workbook
✓ Classroom activities and handouts
✓ Assessment templates and observation guides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Certification is provided by the institute and can be enhanced with optional KHDA attestation.
Shadow Teachers usually work 1:1 with students needing focused support, while LSAs may support broader classroom tasks and multiple students.
While job placement isn't guaranteed, OJT/Internship experience enhances employment prospects, and we assist with placement opportunities.
No prior teaching experience is required—only a willingness to learn and support students with SEN.
Certification Body:
✓ Basic Life Support (BLS) and On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Why Aspire?
✓ Expert trainers with local and international SEN experience
✓ Curriculum aligned with UAE Ministry of Education SEN guidelines
✓ Hands-on internship opportunities with partnered schools
✓ Affordable dual course packages with certifications
✓ Strong focus on inclusive and trauma-informed practices
Upcoming Batch / Course Calendar:
| Course Name | Course Duration | New Batch Start Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education Needs and Disability – Shadow Teacher / Learning Support Assistant (LSA)Nursing Assistant / Caregiving Short-Term Coursee | 12 weeks |