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.

Specific purposes or needs for observation include:
Planning experiences for the child
To identify the child's capabilities
To identify the child's interests and needs
To monitor uncharacteristic or atypical aspects of development

A child's capabilities will include:
Physical capabilities
Emotional capabilities
Cognitive capabilities
Social capabilities
Creative capabilities
Language capabilities
Spiritual and moral aspects

Recording methods may include:
Written
Photography
Audio and video recordings

A variety of methods may be used to gather information:
Observing while participating with children in an experience
Narrative methods
Sampling methods
Chart methods
Gathering information about the child from other workers
Asking family members
Discussions with other children
Collecting samples of children's work
Observing children at play activities, during care routines and social interactions

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range Statement, elements and performance criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment:
Demonstrated ability to gather information from a variety of sources and observe and interpret children's behaviour
Demonstrated ability to monitor and assess children's development and learning and use information to inform program planning

Essential knowledge:
How the observer influences interaction and behaviour
Styles of thinking
Developmental knowledge
Understanding different cultures
Developmental norms at different ages/stages
Organisational standards, policies and procedures

Essential skills:
Communication skills
Reporting
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