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 in the application of working effectively with mothers, fathers and carers of babies and very young children

Evidence of competency in this unit will need to be assessed over a period of time in order to gather evidence of performance

This will include contexts applicable to the work environment, such as actual or simulated workplace situations involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence

Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to work effectively with fathers, mothers and carers of babies and very young children

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 and/or 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 relevant workplace or an appropriately simulated environment where assessment may take place

Method of assessment:

Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following:

demonstration of competency within the working environment through working with mothers, fathers and/or carers of very young children

realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'what if?' scenarios, case presentations, written assessment

observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questions on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

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

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language barriers other than English

Where the candidate has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

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:

Models and theories for working with parents

Issues affecting fathers, mothers, caregivers and families of very young children, including first time parents

Good understanding of child development and corresponding needs of babies and very young children including key social, physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional development

General health and well being of babies including sleep, nutrition, stimulation, settling

Basic understanding of current theories of roles of fathers, mothers and caregivers including infant attachment theory and what this looks like and the impact of good attachment on child development

Awareness of the impact of culture on parenting and parenting styles, including an appreciation of potential issues of working cross culturally with parents

Paternal and maternal post-natal depression, affects and ways of addressing these

Group skills and group dynamics

Dynamics of intimate relationships

Models of conflict resolution and mediation

The nature of domestic and family violence and child abuse including key indicators and effects.

The key indicators, nature and impact on infants and children of personal issues such as alcoholism, gambling, mental health and other issues that could potentially impact on the health and development of marriages, families and relationships

Knowledge of legal parameters for working with clients experiencing sexual, physical and emotional abuse, mental health issues

Complex interpersonal interactions, power in relationships, abuse and conflict

Knowledge and application of ethical behaviour and legal frameworks for relationship work

Appropriate sources or referrals and ways in which these can be accessed

Agency/organisation standards and procedures in relation to referral and dealing with specific relationship issues

Self and how experience, biases, values and beliefs may impact on ability to work effectively with various client groups

Limitations and boundaries of practitioner role within the context of their responsibilities within and agency/organisation

Understanding of a wide range of client groups and cultural diversity including same sex couples

Organisation policy and procedures

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Coach and mentor fathers, mothers and caregivers of very young children and babies in their respective roles

Provide an effective role model for fathers, mothers and caregivers of very young children and babies

Work in partnership with other services including infant welfare centres, pre-schools, kindergartens, primary schools, hospitals, maternity wards

Demonstrate respect toward parents and caregivers of very young children and babies

Establish and maintain boundaries of practice with program participants

Work with diverse families and family structures

Be aware and responsive to diverse groups of people who may challenge educator's values and beliefs

Deal with unexpected (and sometimes inappropriate) reactions and input from participants

Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality

Empower and support clients who are experiencing difficulties as they make decisions and seek help

Set appropriate boundaries, manage issues of triangulation, and develop collaborative working relationships

Articulate rationales for interventions related to program and relationship goals, plans, assessment, information and systemic understanding of clients context and dynamics

Recognise and promote good attachments between infants and fathers and mothers

Work with mental health issues including post-natal depression

Validate and normalise where appropriate and sensitively challenge where required experiences and reactions of parents and carers of babies and very young children

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

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:

Model effective, respectful and inclusive communication skills including listening, empathetic responding, paraphrasing, summarising, questioning, body language, models of conflict resolution, assertiveness, tact and sensitivity

Communicate effectively, including having empathy for, and developing a good rapport with, fathers, mothers and caregivers of very young children and babies, including first time parents

Work as part of a team, including multi-disciplinary professional groups

Deal with conflict in an open, assertive and appropriate manner

Respond appropriately to strong emotions in self and others

Work inclusively with the whole client, considering the full range of possible influences in their lives including:

personality, culture, language, religion, age, gender, family of origin, education levels, learning abilities, economic situation, social context, health, disabilities and issues

the interplay and dynamics of each of the above

ability to respond respectfully to the whole person demonstrating inclusive practice through competently valuing each and every person as a whole unique individual

Monitor self and capabilities to minimise the negative impact of work on own personal health and well being

Engage with and facilitate the relational/emotional system in couples in order to bring about positive change

Assess family functioning

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Issues which may impact on fathers, mothers and caregivers of very young children and babies, including first time parents may include:

Lifestyle changes

Financial stresses

Housing

Social isolation

Levels of support

Extended family

Religious considerations

Cultural aspects of parenting and parenting across cultures

Family of origin and impact of this on own parenting styles

Relationship changes

Sleep deprivation

Economic factors (effect on standard of living)

Shift in power within the relationship, role changes, different division of labour

Potential for role uncertainty and role conflict within the family

Move from partners to parents

Breast feeding, support for breast-feeding,

Attachment between mother and baby and importance of this

Attachment between father and baby and importance of this

Relationships between siblings and baby

Maintaining relationship between father and mother after the birth

Intimacy

Value placed on the role of father, mother, caregiver

Levels of confidence in role of father, mother, caregiver

Emergence of values/family 'ways of doing things' which were previously irrelevant

Cultural differences in approach to father, mother and parent roles

continued ...

Issues which may impact on fathers, mothers and caregivers of very young children and babies, including first time parents may include:
(contd)

Influences of extended family including grandparents

Circumcision

Shift in mother's attention from partner to infant

Young parents

Congenital abnormality or chronic illness

Developmental delays

Mental health

Post-natal depression for mothers and fathers

Family structures and backgrounds may include but are not limited to:

Step families

Adoptive families

Foster families

Chosen families

Same-sex parents

Extended families

Sibling families

Strategies to address or minimise the impact of relevant issues on fathers, mothers and caregivers may include

Developing a greater understanding of 'how it is' for the other partner, members of the family

Developing a greater respect for, and appreciation of, the value of the roles played by the other partner, members of the family

Time management skills

Honest, assertive and respectful communication

Active listening

The importance of compromise

Maximising equitable opportunities to sleep, rest or have quality 'down time' for all parties

Maximising equitable opportunities to meet personal needs of all parties

Building confidence and competence in parenting skills

Recognising the importance of the relationship between the partners and ensuring time to maintain this relationship

Unique roles of fathering and mothering may include:

The importance of early and effective attachment between fathers, mothers, other siblings and infants

Where fathers/ a father figure plays an active role in their children's lives this can have positive outcomes on the development of literacy, numeracy and social skills, self-esteem and the development of resilience in both boys and girls

The importance of strong father and mother roles in child/children's lives

The potential impact on child/children of post natal depression in mothers and fathers

The ability and will to commit to the physical and ongoing support that a father/mother provides and the involvement with the child/children throughout their lives

The capacity to make day to day decisions for the child/children that meet the children's needs

The ability to care about and attend to the important transitions in a child's life and work to provide the optimal conditions to maximise their growth

The ability to change and adapt as children grow older and the fathers/mothers mature in their relationship with their children

The ability to create resources for material well being and the resolution of problems that allow opportunities for the development of emotional well being

The ability to form lasting and healthy attachments with their children which can grow and change over time

The capacity to relate with children by sharing meaningfully with them, both verbally and non-verbally

Recognition of the impact on identity that fatherhood has on men and motherhood has on women

continued ...

Unique roles of fathering and mothering may include (contd):

Recognition of the roles fathers and mothers are assumed to have in children's lives

Recognition that parenting is a practice and not a biological function

Fathers/mothers may be:

birth fathers/birth mothers

step fathers/mothers

foster fathers/mothers

non-biological fathers/mothers

uncles/aunts

grandfathers/grandmothers

carers

Concepts of generative fatherhood may include

men want to be good fathers

assistance given to men to become better fathers needs to focus on removing the barriers to fatherhood

assistance given to men to become better fathers needs to focus on positive affirmation of the father's commitment to their children and participation in their lives

critical life transitions for example, separation, are viewed as opportunities to strengthen fatherhood

fathering styles may be influenced by how men were fathered and by their family of origin

Work with parents and carersmust include:

Understanding of the engagement and communication processes involved in helping

The skills and qualities to put these into operation.

Anticipated outcomes of work with parents and carers

The communication processes involved

The nature of the relationship with parents

Work with parents may include:

Consideration of current, relevant theories of families and parenting:

attachment

developmental - maturational (Gesell), psychosocial (Erickson)

family systems theory

ecological approach

psychoanalytic theory (Freud)

behavioural genetics

ethology and modern evolutionary theory

role socialisation/cultural theory

parenting styles

Consideration of current, relevant models for working with families and parents:

family partnership model

building strengths

solutions

social learning theory

educational

behaviour management

Strengths and areas for development as a father, mother, caregiver may include:

Empathy

Love

Good at listening

Good at anticipating the needs of others

Willingness to consider the needs of others

Ability to recognise own needs and ensure self care requirements are met

Good imagination

Patient

Can operate with very little sleep

Consistent in approach to things

Good at setting clear boundaries

Good at time and commitment management

Good multi-tasking skills

Strengths and areas for development as a parenting team may include:

Recognition of different values, beliefs, customs and parenting styles which may impact on children and raising children

Respect for differences

Ability to identify and articulate the 'non-negotiables' of own values and beliefs

Establishment of a united approach to parenting issues

Establishment of clear boundaries for children and consistent approaches between parents and over time

Examination of impact extended family and friends may have on parenting and family issues

Effective communication

Negotiate and compromise where possible and appropriate

Respect and care for each other and other members of the family

Establishment of healthy routines for sleep, diet and exercise

Cultural, religious, community and familial obligationsmay include:

Gender entitlements or roles

Immediate family

Extended family

Step family

Financial, social, emotional or support obligations

Celebrations

Economic support

Religious participation

Domestic support

Co-habitation and/or co-location

Specified work and support

Maintenance of language and cultural practices

Carer responsibilities