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 a wide range of developmentally appropriate experiences for children in the area of expressive arts and sensory experiences

Characteristics of high quality learning environments

Knowledge of aesthetic safe interesting challenging environments to encourage curiosity experimentation active learning literacy and choice

The value of creative processes and experiences as well as the end product

Strategies to encourage childrens creativity and literacy including offering suggestions use open ended questions offering opportunities for imaginative play

Dramatic play and its role in socialisation

Imitative dramatic and imaginative play

Use of printed materials and audio visual aids

Adults role in creating inviting spaces

Barriers to creativity

Presentation of imitation play dramatic play and imaginative play spaces for children

Overview of an inclusive approach

Use of evaluations for modifications and changes to extend play and stimulate involvement

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 young 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 young children adequately

features of a familys immediate social environment that are important for family functioning and young childrens development and well being

features and qualities of communities that help or hinder families in their capacity to raise young 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

Apply understanding of the stages of childrens development in planning and delivering a range of appropriate activities to stimulate an interest and love of learning in children

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 expressive arts opportunities and activities for children

communication with children

scaffolding childrens knowledge and skills

creative use of resources and imagery

stimulating and encouraging participation

choose appropriate resources and music for creative experiences

express self through creative mediums

appreciation of a range of creative mediums

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

support infants and toddlers to master key developmental tasks

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

Candidates must be assessed over a number of occasions working with children Assessment will include observations examination of portfolios of evidence and questioning

Assessment must include assessment of the ability to provide developmentally appropriate experiences over a range of ages

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

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

Aesthetic experiences that are developmentally appropriate may include:

Appropriate materials will include:

Work and play areas that promote aesthetic qualities may be:

Strategies for fostering creative development and aesthetic awareness in children may be:

Experiences presented should stimulate children's curiosity and learning through:

Range of developmentally appropriate experiences which stimulate children's imitative, dramatic and imaginative play are presented through: