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

Up to date knowledge of regulations on safety health and hygiene

Potential hazards to children including traffic and the spread of infectious diseases and cross infection

Strategies to minimise the spread of infectious diseases

Developmental stage appropriate toys and equipment

Legal requirements for supervision including worker child ratios

Food preparation cooking and storage of food temperatures

Child protection policy of service

Stateterritory requirements about abuse and reporting process

Common childhood illnesses recognition management strategies

Incident records

Indicators of different types of child abuse

Organisation procedures

Strategies for developing responsible behaviour by children in cars and buses

Organisation standards policies and procedures

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Apply a thorough understanding of dangers and hazards for specific age groups

Make informed and appropriate decisions under pressure to ensure the safety of children including in the home environment and in particular

personal hygiene to prevent cross infection eg handwashing

modelling safe behaviours and hygiene practices

risk identification in relevant environments

risk reduction strategies in that environment

risk minimisation strategies in response to specific incidents

ways of supervising appropriate to the age of the child

supervision systems eg an area a group of children floater

Address issues in planning supervision according to the ages of children For to year olds

Address issues in planning supervision according to the ages of children -
For 5 to 12 year olds:

absences of children booked in need to be investigated

older children may be able to assist in responding to an incident if directed clearly and supported to do so

developing childrens capacity to monitor their own safety

developing childrens capacity to develop strategies with staff

Assess additional supervision requirements for a child due to childs disability

level of risk taking behaviour

agestage of development of child

childs level of competence in the activity selected

childs level of responsibility

childs familiarity with environmentequipmentmaterials

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

strategies for developing responsible behaviour by children in cars and buses

decisionmaking under pressure

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

Consistency in performance is best assessed for a range of age groups a range of conditions 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

Resources required for assessment include access to a range of opportunities including access to

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 of this unit 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

Environments may be assessed for safety in relation to:

Relevant criteria for assessing environments may include:

Criteria for assessing safety of environments may include:

A plan to meet the emotional needs of people involved in an accident or emergency may include:

Areas where close/additional supervision may be required include:

Plan for supervision may include:

Limits and guidelines related to supervision may include:

Additional supervision may be required for:

Supervision strategies on excursions include:

Practices to respond to sick children may include:

Government organisation which may need to be consulted/ notified include:

Guidelines for reporting may include:

Procedures for safety in travel may include:

Supervision of travel and care practices may be monitored by: