- Q. How is the Teaching Practicum module conducted?
Students are required to teach a learner who may be at risk of literacy difficulties for 10 lessons, each lesson should be a duration of 1 hour. The learner will have to be sourced from students’ own contacts. A mentor will be assigned to you for a duration of 5 hours, which will run concurrently with the teaching practicum.
- Q. I have completed all the compulsory modules and four other modules via the Certificate Courses route. How do I make the conversion for the Specialist Diploma?
You should have achieved a Certificate of Achievement for 6 completed modules. The application fee of $32.10 and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) of $53.50 will be required for conversion.
Please contact our Student Services at 6336 2555 for the cost of the Practicum Module. Please note that the Practicum module must be completed no later than 3 years from the completion date of your first Certificate Course.
- Q. I have not completed all the required certificate courses. Can I still apply to convert to the Specialist Diploma?Yes, you can indicate your interest to make the conversion here. Our Student Services Associate will get in touch with you on how to proceed.
- Q. When is the closing date of application?
Application closes two weeks before the commencement of the course. Commencement of the Specialist Diploma will be upon successful signing of the student contract.
Specialist Diploma In Learning Support For Specific Learning Differences (SPLD)
Empower you with practical knowledge and skills to support learners with dyslexia and other Specific Learning Differences (SpLD)
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Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences (SpLD)
WHO IS IT FOR
Individuals who aspire to support students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences, who may learn differently
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE AND EXPAND YOUR EXPERTISE
This programme introduces a teaching approach that is built on international practices with an Asian perspective.
Recognising that learners with dyslexia often have co-occurring SpLDs, this programme equips individuals with knowledge and skills to support other areas that learners with dyslexia may face challenges in, including Math, Chinese, exam skills, executive function, and language development.
The bite-sized modules make learning accessible for adult learners, while the choice of modules offers autonomy in charting their own learning pathway.
BE RECOGNISED IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN) SECTOR
Be awarded the Specialist Diploma in Supporting Learners with SpLD upon successful completion of the programme.
Students in this programme may also apply for membership with the Register of Educational Therapists (ASIA) (RETA) which connect SEN practitioners by recognising their professional status and endorsing their qualifications and providing opportunities for professional development.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Students who have obtained relevant prior knowledge and skills OR completed any of the certificate courses with the DAS Academy may apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) within three years from the date of acquiring the qualifications or certificates. With the completion of outstanding modules and practicum, they will be able to qualify for the Specialist Diploma in Supporting Learners with SpLD.
Teaching and delivery
The lectures are delivered mainly by DAS Academy lecturers with extensive field experience, supported by other DAS professionals whenever relevant.
With effect from 1November 2024, we will be implementing a blend of face-to-face and online lectures. The delivery format will be indicated in the course schedule.
Assessment
Typical module assignments include quizzes, written assessments, lesson plans and presentations.
Upcoming intakes and application period
This programme admits students monthly. Application closes on the 7th of each month.
Teacher-student ratio
This programme has a student-teacher ratio of 1:35.
Join our upcoming online preview session, click here
COURSE FEES:
$6.252.90 (inclusive of 8% GST)
The course fee will be adjusted to $6,310.80 for all payments received on or after 1 January 2024, reflecting the increase in GST from 8% to 9%. *The Credit Card Instalment Payment Plan (IPP) is applicable for OCBC Visa/Mastercard.- The eligible cardholder may choose to pay in Monthly Instalments over 6 and 12 months.
- A minimum amount of $500.00 for each transaction.
- The IPP is interest-free to cardholders.
| Wef 1 Jan 2023 (incl. of GST at 8%) | Wef 1 Jan 2024 (incl. of GST at 9%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-refundable Application Fee | $32.40 | $32.70 |
| Accreditation of Prior Learning – Non-Refundable APL Processing Fee | $54.00 | $54.50 |
PAYMENT COURSE FEES
Applicants will be notified to make payment of course fee in two installments, once their applications have been accepted. If you have previously undertaken any of the modules as certificate courses that make up the Specialist Diploma (e.g. Certificate in Dyslexia & Literacy Teaching) or its equivalent within the last three years, you may be exempted from part of the Specialist Diploma via Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). This will prevent you from duplicating the study which has been previously completed.Interested to deepen your knowledge of dyslexia and other specific learning differences but don’t know where to get started?
Join us at the DAS Academy Programme Preview Session to find out more about the higher education courses we offer, the Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs/Additional Learning Needs and the new Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences.
To register your interest complete the enquiry form below.
OR check out the EVENTS page for the next preview
The Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences can be completed in a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months. For the award of the Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for SpLD, participants have to successfully complete seven modules (127 hours).
These modules are also offered alone as standalone certificates from our Certificate Courses
| Two Compulsory Modules | Elective A: Choose three 15-hr modules | Elective B: Choose one 21-hr module | Practicum |
|---|---|---|---|
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For the award of the Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences, students have to complete 6 modular courses and a practicum. The Specialist Diploma is delivered on weekday evenings and/or Saturdays, with a total of 127 contact hours for the entire diploma.
Module Description
Please click on the titles to learn more about the modules.
| No. | Compulsory Modules | 2023 Runs | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding Dyslexia | 1st of every month | View here |
| 2 | Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching | January March September November | View here |
| No. | Compulsory Modules | 2023 Runs | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Educational Psychology | February | View here |
| 2 | Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs | March | View here |
| 3 | Supporting SpLD Learners in Mathematics – f.k.a Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching |
February | View here |
| 4 | Dyslexia and Chinese Language Support | June | View here |
| 5 | IEP Planning for SpLD Learners | January | View here |
| 6 | Supporting SpLD Learner in English Exam Skills (Part 1) | April | View here |
| No. | Compulsory Modules | 2023 Runs | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced English Literacy Skills | January July | View here |
| 2 | Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Chinese Literacy Skills | March November | View here |
| 3 | Supporting SpLD Learners in Higher-Order Mathematical Skills | April September | View here |
| No. | Compulsory Modules | 2023 Runs | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) in Practice (Practicum) | March June Sept Dec | View here |
Minimum Age: 18 years old
Academic Level: Minimum 5 GCE ‘O’ level passes, or equivalent
Language Proficiency: GCE ‘O’ Level pass in English Language as the 1st Language, or equivalent
Documents to be included in your application:
- Copy of NRIC (Front & Back)
- Passport-sized photo
- Copy of O Levels Certificate or equivalent
- A personal statement
(500 – 1000 words) should introduce your background; explain your rationale for taking up this programme and the significance of this programme for your personal and/or professional development. - 2 Character References
(the character reference is a recommendation or a personal reference provided by someone who knows you and can attest to your character and abilities. Character referees should not be immediate family members. Testimonials should be about 250 words and should support your application for the course) - Relevant Academic / Professional Qualifications
(if applying via the Alternative Entry) - Copies of DAS Academy Certificates and Transcripts
(if applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning)
For updated information on the closing date, please contact DAS Academy.
For more details, please contact the DAS Academy at info@dasacademy.edu.sg.
FAQ
Why choose us?
An Asian Perspective
Academic programmes are developed with a perspective relevant to the Asian educational environment
Wide Expertise
Lecturers have a wide range of expertise in the fields of Specific Learning Differences, Psychology and Special Education
Practical Approach
Academic programmes provide both theoretical and practical approaches
Enquiry form
This Specialist Diploma has been designed by the DAS Academy and is registered with the Committee for Private Education – part of SkillsFuture Singapore in Singapore as a part-time/full-time programme. This Specialist Diploma is also recognised by the Register of Educational Therapist (ASIA).
Discover an exciting learning journey with the DAS Academy and join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of people with specific learning differences.
With more than 10 years of practical experience each, DAS Academy lecturers share their experiences in supporting children with learning differences.
Lecturers from the University of South Wales, United Kingdom will also visit during term-time for each module, ensuring that students receive a balanced view of their syllabus from both local and international perspectives.
Lesson formats engages students by having lively discussions and outside perspectives by guest lecturers will make for an enriching classroom experience for everyone.
The Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences programme utilises a variety of classroom styles to provide the best learning environment for our students. These styles include: lecture-style teaching, group discussions, sharing sessions as well as invited guest lecturers who will share about their experiences in supporting individuals with special educational needs.
