CHCORG303A - Tasks and Responsibilities That Require You To Be Prepared

[kirmar02]

HI,
I am busy with my assignment for CHCORG303A - Participate effectively in the work environment and would really appreciate some feedback on what i have done as i am not sure if i am on the right track for some of the questions. Its quit long one!, Any advise would be great, Thank you very much

Below Questions and Answer :

Task 1
Student instructions
a. Choose a work duty that you are, or may be, responsible for that requires you to be prepared and organised – e.g. setting up the outdoor play space or a learning experience for a group of children. If you are currently on placement or working in an early childhood education and care service, choose an example from your own roster or program.
Use the following form to help you identify all the resources that you will require to complete the task effectively.

Work duty: Upon arrival in the morning - Setting up the outdoor Play Environment for the children

Resources required:
Materials and resources

Set up Climbing Equipment
Preparing Sandpit area, buckets, spades, old recycled pots and pans
Recycled cooking utensils, spoons, baking tins etc to use in the wooden pretend cooking stove
Dress up clothing
Construction Area
Throwing/catching activities – Balls, bean bags, Hoola hoops, basketball net
Chalk
Outdoor water activity table with plastic animals
Watering cans
Paint brushes & pots with water
Rake and sweeping brush
Sandpit cover

Knowledge and skills


Knowledge of –
Legislative requirements
My work role and responsibilities
The policies and procedures of the service
Checklist for morning outdoor safety check
Interests of the children
Age and abilities of the children
Recognise the childrens different cultures
Skills –
Being organized
Being tidy
Ask for help with any heavy lifting of climbing frames
Ensure child staff ratio are adhered to for outdoor supervision

Space

Provide ample space between all the different activities set up outdoors.
Ensure enough distance between climbing frames and other resources to avoid risk of harm
Keep exits doorways clear from any tripping hazards
Ball games to be set up on grass area with enough space

Time

Sufficient time for planning of outdoor area activities
Sufficient time for safety checks
Be mindful of time and other responsibilities
Provide sufficient time to set up all equipment safely and before children arrive at the service
Allow children time to explore and access all activities set up

Human resources, such as:
• mood an interests of children
• staffing
• number of children.


Children will be full of energy upon arrival in the morning.
Be aware energy level may deplete as the day goes on children can become tired and not as concentrated on the outdoor climbing equipment
Provide open ended activities that can be used in a range of ways allowing children to lead their own play
Adhere to child staff ratio while supervising children outside play

b. Answer the following questions:

1. Briefly outline how you carry out the chosen work duty in a positive and courteous manner.
Answer :
It is very important to carry out our work duties in a positive and courteous manner when working within a childcare service. I can do this by communicating effectively with my colleagues clearly, directly, with a professional tone and body language and with respect. When working within a childcare service we require to work as a team and the most important aspect to working as a team is to Communicate at all times. Communication with your colleagues both verbally and in your actions can help to provide a smooth running of daily activities and can keep all colleagues working together to achieve the best for the children within the service. I must try my best to communicate in a consistent, positive and courteous manner as this will demonstrate my competence and willingness to work as part of an effective team. When carrying out my work duties I can be sure to encourage others to contribute, actively listen and respond sensitively and appropriately to others, focus on solutions rather than problems and uphold standards of fairness and equity. I can be honest, trusting and open to new ideas and suggestions from colleagues and be respectful of and recognize their strengths/contributions. Also by being open and flexible when carrying out my work duties I can work together effectively with my colleagues by sharing ideas and knowledge to provide the best for the children of the service. Always being organized, punctual and tidy.


2. What would you do if the materials needed were out of stock? Refer to the relevant service procedure in your answer.
Answer :
We need resources to be able to carry out our responsibilities to provide a stimulating learning environment for children. Therefore, it is important that we identify any shortages of resources before they actually run out. Planning in advance allows the needs of all team members to be considered and met. Staff meetings at the beginning of each year should focus on prioritizing identified needs and allocating the resources available to meet them. I would Identify the shortages of resources in accordance with the policy/procedure of my service. for example by :
- memo to supervisor
- listing on a whiteboard in staff room or office
- writing in a staff communication book.
I could also ask my supervisor if the resources were available in another area in the service and if they could be redirected according to the services policies and procedures.
It is important to at all times follow your workplace’s set policies and procedures for planning, purchasing and maintaining resources to ensure the efficient running of your service’s daily activities.

3. What would you do if you did not have the required knowledge or skills to complete the work duty to the standard expected in the workplace? In your answer, identify two things you can do independently to build your knowledge and skills, and another action that requires help and support from your co-workers or supervisor.
Answer :
It is very important to recognise your own limitations and seek assistance when you are having trouble fulfilling your obligations and work role. While using your initiative and seeking to help the team are important, you need to make sure that you are competent for all the tasks that you complete. If you have any queries or are concerned that a particular task that you are asked to do falls outside your level of training, speak to your supervisor for clarification
A few things I can do independently to build my knowledge and skills is :
- Professional reading
- networking with other organisations
- have daily conversations with colleagues, children and families, gain knowledge from getting to know the families/children of the service.
- Being fully aware and up to date on the policies and procedures of the service
These are all key ways that a child care professionals can improve their knowledge and extend their skills.
I would also discuss my concerns with my supervisor. Talk with him/her about what it is I am having difficulty with, discuss with him/her what I have already done to try and achieve all the requirements and discuss what can be done to remedy the situation. I can discuss with my supervisor if there are any staff development training or further learning i could be involved in to increase my skills and knowledge.
Maintaining knowledge and skills ensures we are supporting the interests and rights of the child and is an ongoing process for all those involved in children’s services.

4. What can you do to work cooperatively with others to complete the work duty chosen? Identify three things you can do.
Answer :
When working in children’s services, I need to be alert to where I am needed (for or when a task needs to be done I can use my initiative to take on the tasks that need to be done, provided they are within our job description if I am unsure I should check with my supervisor. To work cooperatively with others to complete my work duty, I need :

• To be clear and direct in my communication. Actively listen and respond to communication.
• Clarify my role within the team.
• To be honest, open to new ideas and suggestions and respectful of all individuals. Recognise what strengths/contributions they bring to the service.
• Be willing to accept and provide support from other members of the team and be flexible in the completion of the work duty
• Be respectful and open to a team making decision.

5. What actions do you take to ensure the health and safety of others and yourself whilst completing this work duty?
Answer :
To ensure the health and safety of others whilst completing my work duty I must follow at all times the workplace’s policies and procedures for meeting WHS requirements and have an understanding of the health and safety policies of my workplace. I must be sure to work within my work responsibilities and to ask for help if unsure on how to carry out any of the required duties, this will assist me in providing the best care, health and safety possible for the children and staff of the service. I must keep the work duty I am performing clean and tidy, without any obstructions to walkways or exits. It is also important for me to understand my legal and ethical obligations which will help me to make the right decisions and act appropriately to avoid injury to others.

6. Identify one practice or day-to-day habit you already apply when carrying out this work duty that promotes efficient practice and sustainability in the workplace.
Answer :
I ensure the work duty is completed to the expected standard and give myself plenty of time to achieve the work duty as to avoid rushed situations and letting other people down. By using a safety checklist each morning when setting up the outdoor play area I am able to work efficiently and provide a safe environment for the children. I am always aware of where all resources I need are stored and make sure that the resources are placed back in the appropriate storage space for use the next day. In agreement and negotiation with my colleagues we prepare a daily action plan for the next day so as to prioritize our responsibilities and that we all have an understanding of how to implement the educational program with the relevant resources required and we plan together to provide the children with a natural environment incorporating the use of natural materials

7. Briefly outline two strategies you could suggest to your supervisor as part of a continuous improvement effort to ensure efficient practices are embedded into what you do on a day-to-day basis. Make sure your suggestions relate to your chosen work duty, and that both aim to incorporate sustainability into your program in meaningful ways (i.e. turning off lights when different play spaces are not in use, purchasing eco-friendly materials or composting scraps).
Answer :
Efficient practices in a childcare setting are very important and require ongoing team work to ensure smooth running of daily activities. Two strategies I could suggest to my Supervisor would be :
- Have weekly discussions with your colleagues on how to provide ways to collect and use recyclable items and incorporate them within the outdoor activities of the service, encourage feedback and follow up on suggestions, have ongoing reflection of what is working or not. Sharing relevant information with your co-workers using effective communication techniques is a great way to have continuous improvement within the service.
- Involving the families of the service, updating them of the sustainability practices in the news letters, asking families to bring cuttings from their plants or old pieces of material to make outdoor tents, old boxes or pots to be used outside etc.
Two strategies to incorporate sustainability into our outdoor play area :
• Encourage the children to engage more in the sustainability program by perhaps setting up a roster for the children to take turns to empty the buckets of food scraps that are collected at mealtimes into the compost bins. Providing opportunities for the children to do some gardening as an outdoor activity. Set up little planters that the children can tend to on a regular basis, use the compost from the services to plant, encouraging the children to connect with the world around them and experience sustainability activities in the outdoor environment. Any veg or fruit grown can be used in cooking activities.
• Provide outdoor activities that make use of natural resources and incorporate recycling of used items. Old pots, pans, spoons etc for use in the sandpit rather than plastic buckets and spades. Use sticks to make wizard/princess wands that can be used in outdoor pretend play activities. Use natural resources for climbing and balancing, tree stumps, recycled care tyres etc.

Educators have the responsibility to make sustainable education a part of everyday practices, rather than a topic or theme to consider for a short time. It needs to be embedded within the curriculum and part of the day to day running of the service. Sustainability education, enables educators and children to promote a sense of responsibility, show respect for the natural environment, be active participants and bring about enquiry and social change.

Task 2
Student instructions
Select an area of your work that you wish to review. You may do this alone or in consultation with your supervisor or a co-worker. Develop a short-term SMART goal. Make it something you can do within the next 30 days.
Use any of the industry documents available to you – such as your job description, Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics, the National Quality Standard, Early Years Learning Framework or study – to help you formulate your goal.
Prepare a formal goal action plan as set out in Chapter 1, Element 2 of your textbook, and using this template:

Action plan
Today’s date: 02/1/2016

Goal: To implement a better more efficient waste system at meal times to help use our our compost bins to their full potential.

- Providing the children with more awareness and involvement in Sustainability Practices
- Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- 2.4 Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
- embed sustainability in daily routines and practices.
NQS Standard 3.3: The service takes an active role in caring for its environment and contributes to a sustainable future
-

Goal achievement date: 16/1/2016


Reason:
To become more efficient, overseeable and allow the children to manage their waste to become more aware and in control of the waste management sustainability program in place, enabling the composte to be produced for the veggie patches.

Objectives needed to get there:

- Researching best ways to implement sustainable practice into everyday children services
- Speak with Supervisor and set up meeting with colleagues to discuss ideas and come to agreement.
- Ensure budget/funding can cover cost of new items needed
- New items to be purchased in timely manner
- Create a roster for the children to take turns in emptying collated food scraps into composte bins
- Discuss with children at group time how the new ideas will be used and introduce any new buckets etc.

Resources required:

- Computer, Internet, local council, sustainability website and resources
- Books about sustainability into group time and into reading corner
- Money to purchase new items
- Baskets/Bowls
- Buckets
- Labels
- Stationary
- Posters


Possible issues and resolutions:

Budget not available – discuss fundraising opportunities to raise the money
Children forget to use/ or not interested in using the correct waste buckets – provide more information/use friendly options to children to embed the sustainability for example posters, colour coding
Children are unable to access the compost bins safely when emptying scrap bins – provide safe step up for children and supervise always


Review:

The Success measures :
- children are engaged in using the food scrap buckets
- amount of compost being made has increased

Provide ongoing reflection with the children about sustainability

[kirmar02]

Hi,
Just wondering if anybody has had a chance to have a look through my question/answers?, would like to know if i am on the right track and any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much

[Lorina]

I just had a read through your questions and responses and I don't think there is anymore I can add to it! You've covered quite alot of points and it is very detailed! Great effort!

,
Lorina