This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of

Childrens social and moral development

Importance of leisure time and how it can be provided for

Interaction between aspects of social development physical development and psychological development and cognitive development

Importance of language that is selected and used

Organisation standards policies and procedures

Childrens emotional development

Cultural awareness and understanding differences in social and family systems

Awareness of the following national child health and well being core competencies as they apply to all who deliver care to children

core principles of child development and the key developmental tasks faced by children and their implications for practice

cumulative effects of multiple risk and protective factors and the developmental implications of the balance between them

environmental conditions and the experiences known to have positive effects on prenatal and early childhood

environmental conditions and experiences known to have adverse effects on prenatal and early childhood development

factors that support or undermine the capacity of families to rear children adequately

features of a familys immediate social environment that are important for family functioning and childrens development and well being

features and qualities of communities that help or hinder families in their capacity to raise children adequately

core needs that all children and families have in common and how to provide inclusive child and family services

understanding of particular backgrounds experiences and needs of children and families in exceptional circumstances or with additional needs

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Provide opportunities for children to interact positively with other children and to accept individual differences giving due regard to age cultural and development of children

Evaluate the social development of the child and to plan activities which will enhance their development

In addition the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to

Demonstrate application of skills in

acceptance of each childs rate of development needs interests and strengths

planning

interpersonal skills

team building skills

time management

active listening

empathy

organisation

valuing of differences among children stage of development needs interests strengths

Apply the following skills identified as underpinning national child health and well being core competencies where they are applicable to the work role

implement effective evidencebased service delivery

coordinate service delivery to families with an interdisciplinary teamwork approach and where possible collaborative interagency practice

early identification of emerging trends in child needs and how to address them

manage childrens health needs eating behaviours and physical activity

provide environments and relationships that are safe for young people

engage and work with parentscarers and families

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit could be assessed either on the job or off the job through an appropriate workplace simulation for a range of age groups and a range of conditions over a number of assessment situations

Access and equity considerations

All workers in community services should be aware of access equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resource requirements for assessment include access to a range of opportunities defined in the Range Statement including

a childcare workplace

childrens services resources and equipment

the local environment

Method of assessment

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on What if scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures oral andor written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed andor is required to be demonstrated over a period of time andor in a number of locations any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues supervisors clients or other appropriate persons

Differences and their acceptance among children will be affected by:

Individual differences may include:

Diversity among children may include differences due to:

Interaction may be with a variety of people including:

Opportunities for social interaction may include:

Special occasions may include:

Opportunities provided for social interaction will vary according to the age of the children and must include:

Non stereotypical images could include:

Areas of competence may include:

Experiences to present a challenge may include: