Claire Daly
Castleblayney
Summary
Early Childhood Educator and Special Needs Assistant with over nine years’ experience supporting children with a wide range of abilities and needs. I am passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive learning environments where every child feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. I have strong experience in planning age-appropriate, engaging activities, implementing positive behaviour supports, and adapting communication to meet individual needs. I work closely with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams to support developmental progress and ensure smooth transitions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Needs Assistant, Career Break
St. Daigh’s N.S.
Inniskeen
08.2024 - Current
- Approved career break with continued professional engagement.
- Substitute SNA across all class levels including mainstream classes and special classes.
- Maintaining familiarity with school policies and curriculum
Special Needs Assistant
St. Daigh’s National School
Inniskeen, Co Louth
08.2021 - 08.2024
- Primarily supported the class teacher in the Autism classroom by providing essential care for children with Autism assisting them with toileting, feeding, mobility and social interactions.
- Assisting class teachers in main stream and other special needs classrooms care for children with a range of disabilities including, Moderate Learning Disabilities, Down Syndrome, MSL3 Syndrome, ADHD, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy.
- Performing secondary care associated tasks such as supervision on the playground, planning for activities and classes, and preparing and tidying of workspaces and the classroom.
- Using modelling and positive reinforcement methods to promote and develop good behaviour and assisted with communication difficulties.
Special Needs Teaching and Learning Assistant
Nord Anglia International School
Leopardstown, Dublin
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Caring for a student with a rare syndrome (DiGeorge Syndrome) with primary care needs such as feeding, toileting, and accompanying student on school bus.
- Assisting with the care and educational needs of other students in the class.
- Assisting Speech and Language Therapist in implementing on-line sessions.
- Liaising with Teacher and SENDCO in creating an IEP for student.
- Using Makaton Sign Language and creating visual aids to communicate with student.
- Completing daily reports and observations for school records.
Early Years Educator
Tiny’s Day Nursery & Preschool
Castleblayney, Co Monaghan
07.2016 - 08.2020
- Room leader - coaching, supervising, and mentoring education staff.
- Creating a positive and stimulating learning environment.
- Monitoring children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional progress and completing associated documentation.
- Assisting staff to evaluate children’s individual progress and developed appropriate learning plans.
- Supervised Health & Safety Processes to include sanitisation of equipment and facilities, guest & client registers, manual handling, risk assessment & accidents reporting.
Education
Level 7 Certificate - Special Educational Needs for Special Needs Assistants
St Angela’s College
Co SligoQQI/FETAC Level 5&6 - Early Childhood Care, Education Needs & Special Needs
Monaghan Institute for Further Education
Co Monaghan 09.2013 - 06/2016
Leaving Certificate -
Castleblayney College
Co MonaghanSkills
- Child Protection Training
- Monitoring & Reporting
- Individual Education Plans
- PECS Training
- Autism Training
- Flexible
- Manual/People Handling
- Team Player
- Excellent Communication
- Confident & Caring
- Staff Supervision & Coaching
- Health and safety compliance
References
- Geraldine Toal, Assistant Principal 2, St. Daigh’s National School, Inniskeen, Co Monaghan, (+44 7708 905695), geraldinetoal@stdaighs.com
- Lorraine Linton, Manager/Owner, Tiny’s Day Nursery and Preschool, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, (0863727761) Lorraine@tinysdaynursery.com
Timeline
Special Needs Assistant, Career Break
St. Daigh’s N.S.
08.2024 - Current
Special Needs Assistant
St. Daigh’s National School
08.2021 - 08.2024
Special Needs Teaching and Learning Assistant
Nord Anglia International School
08.2020 - 08.2021
Early Years Educator
Tiny’s Day Nursery & Preschool
07.2016 - 08.2020
QQI/FETAC Level 5&6 - Early Childhood Care, Education Needs & Special Needs
Monaghan Institute for Further Education
09.2013 - 06/2016
Level 7 Certificate - Special Educational Needs for Special Needs Assistants
St Angela’s College
Leaving Certificate -
Castleblayney College