Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi everyone,
I am doing a certificate 3 in children services and I am new to this site...so please any one can help me with this case scenarios...I am really stuck on this ones...

Your room leader often leaves you alone in the room with the children. There are more than twenty preschool aged children in the room.
Why is this inappropriate?
Does this action breach any regulations, service/centre policies or procedures – if so which ones?
Who would you talk to about this issue?

The second one is:-

Kay works in the babies’ room at the centre. Mitchell is a new child in the room, starting his first week this week. Mitchell is 9 months old and an only child. Mitchell’s mother Julie informs the staff that Mitchell is used to being cuddled and nursed all day by his father or grandma. Mitchell is at the Centre from 9.00am till 1.00pm every day and screams whenever Kay puts him down. Kay gets a brief break if she rocks him to sleep in his pram. Mitchell will then sleep for 30 mins. You observe Kay looking very tired and frustrated.

How can you support Kay?
What advice would you give Kay to reduce her stress and fatigue?
What records could be documented to share this information with other staff and Mitchell’s family?

I didn't do these questions for my Cert III however can tell you that for part one it would be inappropriate because the ratio for preschool aged children is 1-15 therefore even if you have 16 children you still need to have 2 staff members.

Thanxs for the reply Barbie...I known that there must be 2 staff but which breach any regulations are breached by this action?? Its really hard one for me...!!!

Hi Poooja_mehul,

I am stuck on this question also, have you had any luck yet?

I have read the child care regulations 2003 and have found my answers from there. However I do not believe the correct answer for the ratio for pre-school children is 1-15. In the regulations it has a guideline for ratios as per the childrens ages. Hope this helps

Hi Kimakehurst,
I am not able to complete this questions and its to hard for me but, anyways thanks for the information and if you have any further information regarding this topic then please post it....thanks..!!!

Hi everyone, I get the answer and I put here if some one need help....
Why is this inappropriate?
This is my Answer: - This is an unethical behaviour for the employee and it breach the policies and the procedures which as a child care worker we have to follow. It is neccsarry to have a 2 worker in a room with 15 or more than preschool children.

Does this action breach any regulations, service/centre policies or procedures – if so which ones?
This is my Answer: - This kind of behaviour breach the rules of the Satff/Child Ratio which is 20 children to 2 staff members. If one of the member leaves a room then its very chaotic espically when we have so many children in one room.

Who would you talk to about this issue?
This is my Answer: - I will first talk to the colleague about it first and also report it to the higher authority since it is my duty to do so. I can report it to my director or person in charge or even go straight to the management itself.

Second cs:-

How can you support Kay?
This is my Answer: - If Kay is struggling to deal with a situation I certainly offer my help. Just an extra hand will help get the situation under control.

What advice would you give Kay to reduce her stress and fatigue?
This is my Answer: - I can ensure Kay is well inducted, is not exposed to situations that may be beyond her capabilities, knowledge and experience. I can establish open lines of communication at the centre between all staff and management and ensure breaks are scheduled and taken.Encourage / support personal development, skills such as stress management, dealing with difficult situations. Monitor staff health, work demands upon centre staff.

What records could be documented to share this information with other staff and Mitchell’s family?
This is my Answer: - Have a staff meeting to discuss relevant responses in dealing with this kind of situations. All staff should be on the same page and sticking to the behaviour plan that has been put into place. If staff is having difficulty with this specific child, another colleague should step in to assist and provide support.