Website Unit Plan Template

UNIT 1:INTRODUCING EARLY CHILDHOOD

UNIT OVERVIEW: Students will be able to identify and make choices in selecting

theappropriate childhood settings to suit the needs of the child

and parent/guardian.

ASSESSMENT:Written report on a child care facility

UNIT DETAILS:

No / Learning Goal / Success Criteria
(I Know I’ve got it when I can …)
1 / Describe the influences on child development.
  • Define heredity
  • Describe the effect of human and physical environment (experiences and stimuli).
  • Analyse the interrelated aspects of growth and development
/ Visit child care centres to examine how the environment fosters infant learning and later development.
Photograph display showing aspects of the physical environment within a child care centre and highlight evidence of high quality programs.
Research the effect of environment on children’s development.
2 / Investigate and describe the care of children in different child care situations
  • Analyse and evaluate the safety and hygiene practices operating in the facility
  • Describethe protection procedures in operation
  • Analyse the food and nutrition practices used within the facility.
  • Discuss and describe the stimulus in practice for the children’s’ development within the facility.
  • Describe the nurturing processes followed in the facility for the benefit of the children and to support the parent/guardian.
/ Discuss articles and observations made regarding child care environments.
Prepare foods suitable for children.
Assess and evaluate the suitability of various environments for children’s safety.
Produce a report of an investigation of an early childhood setting.
Collect samples and photos to support evidence of the early childhood setting performing tasks or supplying opportunities for child learning.
3 / Investigate types of early childhood settings.
  • Schools
  • Long day care centres
  • Kindergartens
  • Occasional care services
  • Limited hours care services
  • Vacation care
  • Stand-alone care
  • Adjunct care
  • Children’s activity services
  • Playgroups
  • Nannies and babysitters
  • Resort care
  • In-home care
/ Invite guest speakers to discuss and compare the advantages and disadvantages of various types of child care.
Investigate child care options for workers (full-time, shift, parents, casual and part-time.
List children’s services in the local area and describe the services offered.
Visit a local child care centre and investigate and evaluate the following:
  • Groups catered for by the service
  • Hours of operation
  • Cost of services and funding conditions
  • Type of program/s offered
  • Staff employed at the service
  • Working conditions for staff
  • Family involvement in the centre

4 / Investigate and evaluate appropriate service/s to meet children’s needs.
  • Characteristics of a quality early childhood environment
  • Personal attributes required to nurture young children.
  • Varying philosophies and practices.
/ Develop a checklist of factors that parents can use to assess a service e.g.
  • Ages of service caters for
  • Hours of operation
  • Qualifications of staff
  • Educator/child ratios
  • Interaction of staff and children
  • Partnerships with parents and community
  • Number of children catered for in the facility
  • Programs and activities
  • Meal provisions
  • Vacancies and waiting lists
  • Fees
  • Financial assistance
  • Physical environment – indoor and outdoor space
Research and discuss a particular career which involves working with young children.
Discuss personal and professional qualities required of staff who work in child care situations.
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