CHC50908 - Diploma of Children's Services (Early childhood education and care)
Diploma of Children's Services (Early childhood education and care)
This qualification covers workers in children's services who are responsible for planning, implementing and managing programs in early childhood services, in accordance with licensing, accreditation and duty of care requirements. At this level:
Workers have responsibility for supervision of other staff and volunteers
In most states it is the highest qualification required at director or service manager level for children's service centre-based care.
It is noted that whilst this qualification equips workers to work with children from 0-5 years of age, some workplaces and jurisdictions require workers to have skills and knowledge to work with children in both early and middle childhood (i.e. aged 0-12 years).
Where workers are required to work across the span of development from 0-12 years, candidates should receive training and/or assessment across this broader span of development and in addition to the qualification, be awarded a Statement of Attainment for achievement of the Middle childhood development skill set.
18 units are required for award of this qualification including:
13 core units
5 elective units
A wide range of elective units is available, including:
Group A electives which are recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice
Group B elective which is compulsory in some jurisdictions
Group C electives which are recommended for centre-based care
Other relevant electives listed below
Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Community Services and/or Health Training Packages
Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, units of competency packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages
Core units
CHCCN511B Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
CHCFC502A Foster physical development in early childhood
CHCFC503A Foster social development in early childhood
CHCFC504A Support emotional and psychological development in early childhood
CHCFC505A Foster cognitive development in early childhood
CHCFC506A Foster children's language and communication development
CHCIC501B Manage children's services workplace practice to address regulations and quality assurance
CHCIC510A Establish and implement plans for developing cooperative behaviour
CHCIC512A Plan and implement inclusion of children with additional needs
CHCPR502E Organise experiences to facilitate and enhance children's development
CHCPR509A Gather, interpret and use information about children
CHCPR510B Design, implement and evaluate programs and care routines for children
CHCRF511A Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate care for children
The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice
All workers undertaking children's services work need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Community Services Training Package.
Group A electives - recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice
The children's services workplace is regarded as having particular potential for engendering stronger and more respectful relationships between non-Aboriginal Australians and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians and across the diverse groups in the community.
It is therefore highly recommended that this qualification includes one of the following units to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for:
Staff to support and promote respect for and awareness of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities where there are no Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children attending or residing in the local area
Staff who work specifically with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and families
CHCIC302A Support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families to participate in children's services
HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
As cultural diversity is a feature of our community, one of the following electives is recommended for inclusion:
CHCIC511A Implement and promote inclusive policies and practices in children's services
HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
Group C electives - recommended for centre-based care
The following units of competency are recommended for work in centre-based care at Diploma level. Employers may specify electives required for their workplace if appropriate.
CHCCN520C Advocate for the rights and needs of children and young people
CHCFC507A Use music to enhance children's experience and development
CHCFC508A Foster children's aesthetic and creative development
CHCIC511A Implement and promote inclusive policies and practices in children's services
CHCINF407D Meet information needs of the community
CHCPR614D Observe children and interpret observations (Note pre-requisite: CHCPR509A )
HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
Other relevant electives
Electives are to be selected in line with specified Packaging Rules.
The following list of relevant electives is intended to facilitate selection. Employers may specify certain electives as required to address specific workplace needs.
CHCOHC401A Inform and encourage clients and groups to understand and achieve good oral health
CHCOHC402A Support clients and groups to learn practical aspects of oral health care
CHCOHC404A Recognise and respond to signs and symptoms that may indicate oral health issues
Pathways...
Not Applicable
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements
To gain entry into CHC50908 Diploma of Children's Services (Early childhood education and care) candidates must demonstrate competence through a recognised training program or recognition process, in the following units of competency:
CHCCHILD401B Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
CHCCN301C Ensure the health and safety of children
