Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes.
2. Initiate and undertake growth and development monitoring
   • Establish trust and rapport with children and their families/carers through effective communication strategies
   • Maintain confidentiality of client information
   • Use culturally appropriate and safe methods during interactions
   • Provide information to children and their families/carers regarding growth and development procedures
   • Use appropriate screening tools and equipment as per child health protocols and procedures
   • Conduct screening in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and workplace health and safety requirements, in line with job role
   • Use age-appropriate strategies when performing growth and developmental screening
   • Accurately document growth and development screening data
3. Interpret results of growth and development screening and undertake actions
   • Review screening findings against tools and in accordance with organisational protocols
   • Recognise deviations from normal parameters regarding child growth and development
   • Recognise the cumulative effects of multiple risk factors and the developmental implications
   • Provide information to child, parent/caregiver regarding the results and the negotiated care plan required
   • Discuss and develop a plan in consultation with appropriate health care professionals, organisations and/or agencies
   • Implement appropriate actions and care according to organisational protocols, in line with work role and legislative frameworks
4. Promote optimal growth development and wellbeing in childhood
   • Provide information to parents and carers regarding influences that shape growth, development and wellbeing in childhood
   • Identify environmental conditions and experiences known to have adverse effects on prenatal and early childhood development
   • Identify features and qualities of communities that help or hinder families in their capacity to raise young children adequately
   • Identify local resources to assist in promoting growth, development and wellbeing in childhood
   • Promote strategies to support individuals and the community to foster optimal health and wellbeing in childhood
   • Provide referrals to appropriate support programs

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role.

There must be evidence that the candidate has:

monitored the growth and development of at least three children aged birth to 5-years-old by:

-using effective communication strategies which demonstrate cultural appropriateness and safety to engage with the families and/or carers of each child

- explaining the purpose and promoting the benefits of screening to clients and parents/carer

- taking a detailed history, eliciting relevant information from the child, carer or family and documentation

- using screening tools and equipment in accordance with organisational protocols

- making referrals for assessment based on parental concerns and any observed variations

- initiating appropriate actions in response to growth and development screening results, in line with organisational procedures and protocols, for presenting health conditions

- explaining concepts related to growth and development including:

o nutrition – including breastfeeding

o physical activity

o environment

- informing parents/caregivers about age-appropriate milestones of growth and development including;

o fine and gross motor skills

o emotional, social and behavioural development

o language and communication

- documenting outcomes of all assessment, treatment decisions and monitoring according to organisation procedures and policies and in regard to confidentiality of the clients and families.

---

Knowledge Evidence

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

This includes knowledge of:

core principles of child development and broader knowledge of current research around child development

the impact of contextual factors that influence and challenge a child’s physical, emotional and psychological development

broad understanding of the domains of child development

developmental milestones within specific age groups

indicators of abnormal or ‘red flags’ within the age-specific developmental domains

differences among children in stage of development, needs, interests and strengths when providing services to children

application of standard universal precautions

past and present growth and development trends within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

maternal history and issues related to pregnancy and childbirth

differences in growth patterns for breastfed and formula-fed children, preterm infants and infants with a disability

assessment and management of failure to thrive and growth faltering

child health promotion strategies including:

- immunisations

- disease prevention and hygiene

- mental health promotion

- protective behaviors

- early learning promotion

- exercise and physical wellbeing

organisation policies and procedures relating to child health and wellbeing assessment, planning and implementing health care.

---