Challenging Behaviour
This course will equip you with knowledge, skills and competence in supporting individuals with intellectual disability who present with challenging behaviour.
| Award Name | Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Minor |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) | Minor | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
The course is scheduled to run online 1 evening a week, Wednesday from 6:30pm to 9:30pm for 12 weeks.
The initial class/induction and assessments will be held in Kerry College, Monavalley Campus. All other classes will be delivered online. Learners will be required to bring a Laptop with them for the initial class.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Applicants should have a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 4 when accessing a Level 5 programme.
Mature applicants available with relevant life and work experience.
Additional
Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Must be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.
Further information
Start date 16/09/2026
€200
A fee waiver is in place for applicants in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment. You can check your fee waiver eligibility with Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP), INTREO or your Local Employment Service (LES) office.
Learners in employment may also be granted a fee waiver under the Skills to Advance Initiative. For more details on this please contact Claire at business@kerrycollege.ie
This course is designed to equip the learner with knowledge and skills in supporting individuals with learning disability who present with challenging behaviour.
What will I study?
Define the concept of "challenging behaviour"
Identify inappropriate behaviour presented by an individual with intellectual disability
Describe behaviour in observable, measurable terms
List the goals of Positive Behaviour Support
Explain how internal factors, related to a person's health and well being, can underlie challenging behaviour
Explain how external factors related to the environment and the reactions to behaviour, can underlie challenging behaviour
Define the terms "positive reinforcement", "negative reinforcement", "antecedent" and "setting events"
Recognise examples of positive and negative reinforcement of inappropriate or challenging behaviour in daily situations in the lives of people with intellectual disability
Recognise examples in the daily lives of people with intellectual disability, where inappropriate or challenging behaviour is being maintained by the setting events and antecedents prior to the behaviour
Demonstrate how the parts of the Antecedent, Behaviour Consequence (ABC) model work together
Use an ABC chart for recording observations of inappropriate or challenging behaviour
Gather and record information about an individual with intellectual disability that can be used in the analysis of challenging behaviour and development of a support plan
Distinguish between inappropriate behaviour and challenging behaviour
Describe the challenging behaviour presented by an individual with intellectual disability in terms that are observable and measurable
Outline the typical strategies used by staff and carers for dealing with inappropriate behaviour
Outline the values underpinning Positive Behaviour Support
Evaluate how well the goals and values of the Positive Behaviour Support model fit in with the policies of a service provider relating to challenging behaviour
Discuss how challenging behaviour can be reinforced both positively
and negatively
Explain why negative reinforcement and punishment are not used in the Positive Behaviour Support model
Outline the guidelines for selecting skills to teach
Discuss a range of characteristics that promote positive environments.
5N1706 Challenging Behaviour
Contact our Kerry College Admissions Offices – Tralee on 066 714 9696, Killarney on 064 662 2593 or parttime@kerrycollege.ie