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

Stages of cognitive development

Peer group interactions

Childs family and community context and influences

Organisation standards policies and procedures

Planning processes and understanding of adults role in experiences

Sensory perceptual development and brain development

Theories including but not limited to Piaget Vygotsky and Gardner

Social constructivist learning theory

Interrelationship between cognitive creative and language development

Importance of dispositions impacting on lifelong learning

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

Encourage children in thinking and problem solving experiences with consideration for each childs culture stage of development and interests

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

planning open ended experiences to promote childrens enquiry and mathematical thinking

problem solving processes and tools or strategies to facilitate childrens problem solving

use open ended questions to encourage children to predict hypothesise explain reason and express their ideas and opinions

creative use of inexpensive resources to stimulate childrens interest and curiosity

modelling strategies suggesting next steps and highlighting aspects the children may have overlooked

supporting and encouraging childrens unconventional and innovative use of materials

use the environment to stimulate childrens curiosity

arrange experiences that stimulate children to explore and discuss diverse objects people and places

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 is best assessed in the workplace or in a realistic simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions for a range of age groups and 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

Related units

It is recommended but not required that this unit be assessed in conjunction with related unit

CHCFCA Foster childrens language and communication development

CHCFC506A Foster children's language and communication development

Thinking skills may include:

Opportunities for children to develop cognitively will vary according to the child's age/abilities and must include:

Understandings may include:

Opportunities to develop problem solving skills vary according to age of the child:

Opportunities to explore their environment will vary according to age of the child:

Opportunities to explore their local environment directly will differ according to a range of factors such as:

Opportunities to extend children's knowledge of the world may include:

Environment may include: