Sara O'Sullivan
Westmeath,Ireland
Summary
Motivated Special Needs assistant and currently in my final year of college, completing my BA (Hons) in psychology.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Sub Special Needs Assistant
Stepping Stones Special School
Maynooth, Ireland
2025.10 - Current
- Provided one-to-one support to students
- Helped children with eating, dressing and other aspects of personal care while encouraging independence.
- Observed children to identify changes in behaviour and reported such changes to classroom teacher.
- Supervised students during break times and lunch times
Special Needs Assistant
Stepping Stones Special School
Maynooth, Ireland
2024.04 - 2025.10
- Provided one-to-one support to students to further improve their engagement in class activities.
- Maintained accurate records on individual pupil progress which informed further teaching strategies.
- Following behaviour support plans and IEP goals consistently
- Collaborated with teachers to plan and implement lesson adaptations suitable for every child's need's.
- Carried out daily life skills for increased independence among students.
- Use of assistive technology tools to model language and facilitate effective communication (AAC devices, Lamh, Visual aids, manding sessions)
- Encouraged group work amongst students
- Fostered a positive learning environment to support emotional and mental well-being of students.
- Creating sensory activities for students.
- Prepared teaching materials tailored to each child's abilities and prepared visual aids and classroom displays for daily lessons.
- Identified and observed changes in behaviour and signs of distress in students and worked on resolving issues with the help of behaviour support.
- Supported teachers in managing challenging student behaviour, contributing to progress meetings to provide feedback, raise concerns and recommend appropriate action when necessary.
- Supervised students during break times and lunchtimes.
- Supported classroom teacher in monitoring, assessing and recording students progress.
- Helped children with eating, dressing and other aspects of personal care while encouraging independence.
- Took part in school training activities to advance knowledge in working with students with specific learning difficulties.
- Worked with students in small groups and 1:1 to provide additional support with activities and lessons
- Monitored students' responses to learning activities and modified appropriately to achieve intended learning outcomes.
- Escorted and supervised students on educational visits and out-of-school activities.
- Maintained child safety and well-being during classroom and outdoor activities.
- Assist in the development of social skills and modelling positive behaviour. Observe children during social interactions and encourage positive choices for minimising and resolving conflicts.
Children's Gymnastics Coach
Fun Gymnastics
Mullingar
2023.05 - 2024.05
- Instructed classes of 20-30 children
- Adapted classes to the children's abilities
- Taught gymnastics skills to children between the ages of 5 and 16, all varied in level of ability and experience.
- Prepared students for competition by providing physical training, emotional support and mentoring, and teaching new routines.
- Motivated students to work hard during practice sessions and competitions by setting an example of good sportsmanship.
Education
Leaving Certificate -
St Finian's College
Mullingar, County Westmeath 2015.09 - 2020.06
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology BA (Hons)
Dublin Business School
Dublin, Ireland 2022.09 - 2026.06
Skills
- Use of Lamh and AAC device (lamp, proloquo2go, TD Snap etc)
- Child safeguarding awareness (Tusla chiildren's first)
- Crisis intervention procedures (PCM trained & CPI trained)
- First Aid
Timeline
Sub Special Needs Assistant
Stepping Stones Special School
2025.10 - Current
Special Needs Assistant
Stepping Stones Special School
2024.04 - 2025.10
Children's Gymnastics Coach
Fun Gymnastics
2023.05 - 2024.05
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology BA (Hons)
Dublin Business School
2022.09 - 2026.06
Leaving Certificate -
St Finian's College
2015.09 - 2020.06