Special Needs Caregiver Course

Lesson 1 • Roles and Responsibilities of a Caregiver

Defines the caregiver's scope of practice within educational settings. Clarifies boundaries that prevent role confusion and protect learner welfare.

Lesson 2 • Ethical Principles in Learner Care

Introduces core ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Provides a decision-making framework applied in all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 3 • Person-First and Identity-First Language

Teaches correct terminology and when each language style is appropriate. Directly shapes how caregivers communicate with learners and families.

Lesson 1 • Behavioural and Emotional Disabilities

Covers ADHD, anxiety disorders, and emotional disturbance in school contexts. Equips caregivers to respond supportively rather than punitively.

Lesson 2 • Physical and Motor Disabilities

Covers mobility impairments, muscular conditions, and neuromotor disorders. Prepares caregivers to anticipate physical support needs in classroom environments.

Lesson 3 • Learning and Language Disabilities

Addresses dyslexia, dyscalculia, and language processing disorders. Helps caregivers distinguish academic struggles from behavioural issues.

Lesson 4 • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Describes cognitive, adaptive, and developmental profiles including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Guides caregivers in setting realistic, respectful expectations.

Lesson 1 • Confidentiality and Records Management

Covers learner privacy rights, records access rules, and secure information handling. Prevents legal violations stemming from improper disclosure.

Lesson 2 • Section 504 Plans and Accommodations

Distinguishes 504 plans from IEPs and identifies common classroom accommodations. Prepares caregivers to support learners who do not qualify for special education.

Lesson 3 • Individualised Education Programmes

Explains IEP structure, goals, services, and the caregiver's role in implementation. Connects legal mandates to daily caregiving tasks.

Lesson 1 • Nonverbal and Visual Communication

Explores gestures, facial expressions, visual schedules, and picture-based supports. Extends communication access for learners with limited verbal ability.

Lesson 2 • Communicating with Families and Teams

Develops professional communication with parents, educators, and specialists. Ensures consistent information sharing that supports learner progress.

Lesson 3 • Effective Verbal Communication Techniques

Teaches clear, simple, and supportive verbal communication adapted to learner ability levels. Builds the interpersonal foundation for all caregiver-learner interactions.

Lesson 1 • Safe Body Mechanics and Transfers

Teaches proper lifting posture, transfer techniques, and equipment use to prevent injury. Forms the physical safety foundation for all hands-on caregiving tasks.

Lesson 2 • Mobility and Positioning Support

Guides caregivers in using wheelchairs, walkers, and positioning equipment correctly. Prevents pressure injuries and supports learner participation in school activities.

Lesson 3 • Hygiene and Toileting Assistance

Covers handwashing, diapering, catheter care awareness, and privacy protocols. Maintains learner dignity while meeting health and hygiene standards.

Lesson 1 • Implementing Behaviour Intervention Plans

Teaches caregivers to read, follow, and document behaviour intervention plans accurately. Ensures fidelity to team-designed strategies that protect learner progress.

Lesson 2 • Positive Behaviour Support Principles

Introduces the tiered PBS framework and universal prevention strategies. Connects school-wide systems to individual caregiver actions.

Lesson 3 • De-escalation and Crisis Response

Provides verbal de-escalation techniques and safe crisis response protocols. Prepares caregivers to protect learner and staff safety during behavioural emergencies.

Lesson 1 • Seizure Recognition and Response

Details seizure types, first-aid steps, and post-seizure care protocols. Prepares caregivers to act calmly and correctly during a seizure event.

Lesson 2 • Medication Administration Procedures

Covers authorised medication administration, documentation, and storage requirements. Ensures caregivers follow safe protocols and avoid medication errors.

Lesson 3 • Common Health Conditions in Learners

Surveys epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, and other conditions frequently seen in learners with disabilities. Builds recognition skills that enable timely caregiver response.

Lesson 1 • Inclusive Classroom Participation

Explores strategies for integrating learners with disabilities into general education activities. Builds caregiver skills in facilitating peer interaction and academic access.

Lesson 2 • Task Analysis and Skill Building

Teaches breaking complex tasks into teachable steps and using systematic instruction. Enables caregivers to actively contribute to learner skill acquisition.

Lesson 3 • Transition Planning and Life Skills

Addresses post-secondary transition goals and daily living skill development. Prepares caregivers to support learners in building independence beyond the school setting.