Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.

Children having additional needs may include needs due to:
Language difficulties
Physical, sensory or developmental disability
Health problems
Behavioural or psychological disorders
Family circumstances and needs
A child recently arrived in Australia from a very different culture
A child whose culture is different from the culture of the centre
Child at risk
Unknown diagnosis
Known diagnosis
Cultural/religious practices
Communication difficulties
Giftedness

Communication difficulties of a child may be due to:
Trauma, violence and crises
Disabilities, e.g. hearing, visual, speaking
Health problems and disorders
Learning problems
Deprivation of sensory stimulation

Behaviour and emotions that may be investigated include:
Level and type of social interaction with adults and other children
Anxieties and aggression

Concerns about a child may be discussed with:
The child
Parent/s, families, community members
Field workers/resource workers/early intervention service staff/medical staff
Supervisor/co-ordinator/director
School staff
Other care providers

Planning may include:
Parents
Care givers
Referral agencies
Staff
Child
Resources available
Staffing levels
Skills of current staff
Transport vehicles
Access to venue
Financial considerations of parents
Languages spoken by workers

Adaptations to develop the capacity of the service may include:
Gaining additional funds
Sups workers or resource workers
Changes to routines
Special equipment
Training in relevant care practices
Alterations to venue

The plan may be discussed with others at:
A staff meeting
Conference of workers, parents, staff of other services
One to one consultation
Referral from a service/agency
Enrolment with no referral

Critical aspects of assessment:
Demonstrated ability to assess for and meet additional needs in consultation with the child where appropriate and others

Interdependent assessment of units:
This unit links to:
CHCFC10A - Enhance the emotional and psychological development of children
CHCRF11B - Work in partnership with families to care for the child
CHCPR12A - Monitor and evaluate programs
Assessment should address these linkages.

Competence in CHCIC10A - Establish and implement plans for developing responsible behaviour, is a prerequisite for this unit

Essential knowledge:
Developmental milestones
Disability discrimination act
Principles of inclusive practice and policies
Cultural beliefs and expectations regarding abilities, disabilities, gender, roles etc.
Relevant codes of ethics
Individualised, child centred programming
Team work
Negotiation skills
Organisational standards, policies and procedures

Essential skills and attitudes:
Team work
Negotiation skills
Interpersonal
Planning

Resource implications:
Assessment requires access to a range of opportunities defined in the Range Statement. This includes:
a childcare workplace
access to children's services, resources and equipment
access to the local environment

Context of assessment:
This unit could be assessed either on the job or off the job through an appropriate workplace simulation for a range of age groups and a range of conditions over a number of assessment situations.