The application of this unit will depend on the work roles and responsibilities and requirements of the work environment

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Work with others to support students with additional needs

1.1 Demonstrate understanding of own role and responsibilities in relation to students and a range of additional needs

1.2 Identify roles and responsibilities of others involved

1.3 Cooperate with others in support of students

1.4 Share information with others to facilitate student support and does this is accordance with relevant procedures, guidelines and protocols

2. Support individual students with additional needs

2.1 Show respect, empathy, acceptance for individual differences in dealings with students

2.2 Encourage students in ways which promote their positive self concept and esteem

2.3 Use language, equipment, materials and strategies suited to the student

2.4 Apply simple task analysis as necessary to assist students with additional needs

2.5 Identify the role, purposes and content of individual education programs to address additional needs

2.6 Follow individual education programs planned by teachers for particular students, and recommend amendments as appropriate

3. Assist with classroom programs to support students with additional needs

3.1 Use knowledge of classroom strategies and programs used to support students with additional needs

3.2 Identify and follow classroom strategies and programs used to support particular students

3.3 Assist with the modification of general activities to particular needs where necessary

3.4 Assist with whole class activities as directed by teacher

3.5 Use behaviour management strategies and techniques appropriate to the students and as directed by teacher and others

3.6 Take appropriate steps, if required, to maintain personal safety of self and others

4. Contribute to learning opportunities

4.1 Identify strategies used by teachers to encourage problem solving by students and support strategies appropriately as required of teacher aide

4.2 Identify strategies used by teachers to assist development of independence and social skills in students and support strategies appropriately as required of teacher aide

4.3 Notice and take opportunities to encourage and support incidental learning by students

4.4 Provide constructive advice and feedback to students

4.5 Where appropriate, provide suggestions to teachers or other members to improve learning opportunities of students

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:

Basic knowledge and understanding of wide range of additional needs and their implications for students' learning

Individual education programs

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Provide support in relation to at least two main areas of additional needs

Undertake proactive approach to assisting students

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:

communication

problem solving

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

Assessment should be on the job and/or related to actual workplace evidence

Simulated situations and hypothetical questioning may be used as a supplement to such assessment if this is necessary to enable the trainee/teacher aide to demonstrate all aspects of the competency

In order to establish consistency of performance, evidence should be collected over a period of time, across a range of events

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

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to:

appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment may include:

Observation of work performance

Written tasks

Interview and questioning

Authenticated portfolio/log book

Supporting statement of supervisor/s

Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

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.

Additional needs may be due to:

Cultural background

Education background

Family issues

Giftedness

Intellectual disabilities

Language impairment

Learning difficulties

Non-English speaking background

Other medical conditions

Physical difficulties

Psychiatric disorders

Psycho-emotional disorders

Sensory disabilities

Socio-cultural disadvantage

Others involved may include:

Carer

Class teacher

Guidance officer

Occupational therapist

Physiotherapist

Social worker

Speech pathologist

Support teacher

Teacher aide medical personnel

Relevant procedures, guidelines and protocols may include:

Confidentiality, right to privacy

Individual education programs may include:

Communication and speech

Gross and fine motor skills

Individual and class social skills

Key work signing

Life skills

Literacy

Numeracy

Classroom strategies and programs may include:

'Buddy' support systems

Cross curricular teaching

Multi-level teaching

Peer modelling

Peer tutoring

Small group, 1:1 instructional tutoring

Vertical grouping

This unit contains Employability Skills