Working with Downs Syndrome People?

Question

I find I really love the company of people with downs syndrome and I find them really fun to be around and that I can communicate really well with them, I would love to be able to have a job working with them but I don't have any qualifications in that area although I have experience in children's work and also hold an upto date first aid cert and health & safety cert and have been fully CRB checked. Can anyone advice me on how I may go about getting work or if I need to have some kind of qualification? Thank You, LP x

Answer 1

I agree they are wonderful people to be around.

You could apply to work in one of the Camp Hill communities, they have centres around the UK.  I have personal experience of a couple of these and they are wonderful places.

Or you could try one of the other residential care homes.

Alternatively most local authorities are looking for care workers to work in the community with people with learning difficulties, many with downs syndrome.  

A few links to help.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Many classroom assistant's positions require 60 hours of college due to the No Child Left Behind Regulations.  There may be other was around it.  Call your local school system and talk to their human resources department.  

I would suggest working in a group home or institution for children or adults with mental retardation.  Very rarely will you find a place 100% devoted to those with Down's.

Another way to work with Down's as a community based worker.  You would work pretty much one-on-one with an individual with mental retardation.  You would be placed to work with a family and you can request someone with Down's.  Whether or not a person with Downs is available, depends.  

Best wishes!

Answer 3

Hi.

The best way to start is by going to the headteacher of a local primary school, explaining what you want to do and asking if you could begin by helping out in a mainstream classroom with the children.  Then, when you are working in the classroom, you need to enroll on a teaching assistant course, (ICS and other organisations provide them, or sometimes the LEA provide them. - Your headteacher will know).  

When you have passed your TA course, which usually takes 9 months, you can them approach your LEA to become a 'special needs TA' - They will train you and examine you.  When you have successfully done this, you can then apply at a special school to work with children with Downs and other problems.

Hope this helps.

http://www.snowdrop

Answer 4

Your CRB doesnt really count for anything as every prospective employer will need to do a new one. The good news is that for entry level care jobs you are already qualified enough and often employees will offer on the job training.

My advice would be to look up homes in your area that are purpose built for people with severe learning difficulties (try mencaps website, or the US equivelant if your American) then just write to them, stating your desire and why you have that desire to work with there residents, what previous experience you have (childrens work) and if they have any jobs available. Enclose a CV.

Try your local advertising publication to see if any such places are offering employment.

feel free to contact me for details!

Answer 5

Become a teacher's aide for a special education teacher.  There is a shortage of both teachers and aides right now, and definitely make sure that when you apply they know that you love to help children with down syndrome.  You will get the job.

Answer 6

You are right about working with Downs Syndrome children - they are magnificent to be with and make you feel so special when they come to love and trust you!   I read a book many years ago called, I think, 'THE CLOWNS OF GOD' on this theme.  Must look it up and read it again some time!

You've got some great answers on the specifics!   If you know a family that has a Downs child then they will be able to tell you a lot from the parental perspective - and could also connect you with the relevant agencies that have helped them and their child.

Wishing you every success and happiness.

oty x*x

[One of my best friends has a Downs child.  She is gorgeous and everyone at our church loves her to bits.   She made her first communion not long ago and is now an altar server!   Wonderful!]

Answer 7

Contact your local Special schools and colleges and see if they have any placements. You could also enquire if there are any Youth clubs run for people with Special  Needs. You can go to college to get an NVQ in Teaching Assistants

Answer 8

It is brilliant that you're interested in this area of work. It depends whether you want to work with children or adults. With children you might want to seek a job as a classroom assistant in a special school, this would mean that you would also have to work with children with other special needs. As you say you have good communication skills, you may be able to work with children with DS as a speech therapy assistant. Children with DS have complex speech and language needs so you could try that route. I'm not quite sure how you'd work with adults, maybe you could contact your local day centre. You could also volunteer in local support groups.

You seem to be making some generalisations in your question. Althought, it is true that people who have Down's Syndrome have good social skills, esp when compared to other areas of development (such as language), you have to see each each person as an individual, you might get on brilliantly with some, and not so well with someone else.