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

Historical context of sustainable development and sustainability including definitions of sustainability and the impacts of historical world events

Impact of key global issues such as climate change ozone layer effects greenhouse effect earth resources and biodiversity

Intergenerational equity and equitable sharing of resources

Barriers and drivers for behavioural change

Awareness of the importance of community as a source of knowledge skills and values

Sustainable practices in

waste management

water use

cleaning and maintenance and building equipment and associated resources

Awareness of sustainable building design to maximise the use of natural lightheating and cooling

Human biology and the link between plants animals and humans

Awareness of strategies to increase childrens experiences and understanding of animals and the natural environment

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation processes for sustainability program

Essential skills

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

Undertake an analysis of the environmental sustainability of the child care workplace

Identify and support potential for workplace change to enhance environmental sustainability including

design eg of building and resources

practices and systems

behavioural change

Design implement and review a program to enhance environmental sustainability in the child care workplace

Involve staff children and the broader community in participating in and evaluating a program to enhance environmental sustainability

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

Assessment requires access to a range of opportunities defined in the Range Statement including

a childcare workplace

childrens services resources and equipment

the local environment and community

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

Aspects of sustainability may include:

Aspects of the child care environment may include:

Ethical dilemmas in sustainability programs may include:

Sustainable practices may include:

Sustainable building design may include:

Natural world in outdoor spaces may include:

Waste management strategies may include:

Water conservation strategies may include:

Sustainable cleaning practices may include: