Support Services
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National Supports
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The Department of Education (DES) is a department of the Irish State with responsibility for education and training. The mission of the Department is to facilitate individuals through learning, to achieve their full potential and contribute to Ireland’s social, cultural and econmic development.
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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is a statutory body of the Department of Education and Skills. The NCCA advises the Minister for Education and Skills on curriculum and assessment for Early Childhood Education, Primary and Post Primary schools and assessment procedures used in schools and examinations on subjects which are part of the curriculum. This advice is developed through research, deliberation, consultation and networks.
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was set up to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities, with particular emphasis on children. The NCSE service is delivered through their national network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), who interact with parents and schools, and liaise with the HSE, in providing resources to support children with special educational needs.
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National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists work with both Primary and Post Primary schools and are concerned with learning, behaviour, social and emotional development. Each psychologist is assigned to a group of schools. NEPS psychologists specialise in working with the school community. They work in partnership with teachers, parents and children in identifying educational needs. They offer a range of services aimed at meeting these needs, such as supporting individual students (through consultation and assessment) and special projects and research.
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Oide is a new support service for teachers and school leaders, funded by the Department of Education. Oide was formed from the integration of four existing support services; the Centre for School Leadership (CSL), Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT), the National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT) and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST).
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Other Supports
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Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI) is the umbrella organisation of the 21 full-time and nine part-time Education Centres in Ireland. It represents the interest of the network as a whole, including both part-time and full-time Directors, staff and Management Committees of all Centres.
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The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. It acts in the interests of the public good while upholding and enhancing standards in the teaching profession.