1. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE Flexible Training for Family Day Care Workers Gai Ellerington Christine Hitchens Hunter Institute TAFE NSW

2. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE Background Hunter TAFE partnership with four Family Day Care schemes Funded through Workplace English Language & Literacy (WELL) Programme Family Day Care is a licensed and regulated childcare service Schemes must meet Quality Assurance requirements set by the Federal Government Childcare workers are in the skill-shortage category

3. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE The Need Family Day Care is a home-based childcare service Carers often have long working hours Attending training is extremely difficult Some carers lack confidence to undertake training Logistics of training can be challenging Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) issues can make it difficult to access training Schemes have overall difficulty retaining carers

4. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE The Partnership WELL Funding Family Day Care Scheme Hunter Institute Access & General Education Hunter Institute Children’s Services

5. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE The Training Family Day Care Scheme Carers receive flexible training and support in own home workplace Coordination staff consult in training delivery and receive training WELL training assists in meeting quality assurance practices

6. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE 9 Units of Competency delivered Units from Certificate III in Children’s Services Ensure children’s health and safety Respond to illness, accidents and emergencies Participate in workplace safety procedures Care for children Interact effectively with children Fulfil family day care administration requirements Working effectively with families in caring for their child Identifying and responding to risk of harm Work within a legal and ethical framework

7. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE Flexibly delivered training With LLN support at carer’s home/workplace Gather evidence to build portfolio for Recognition of Prior Learning Self-paced learning materials developed in consultation with each Family Day Care scheme Workshop delivery of 2 units In-home or playsession practical assessment Outcomes evaluated against National Reporting System (NRS)

8. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE The Challenges Logistics Individual support Customisation of resources and training material to meet all requirements

9. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE Results Easy access Breaking down the barriers Increased confidence and self-esteem Development of communication skills Positive aspects for schemes’ quality assurance Compliance for carers and schemes

10. 2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE The Future Pilot group to complete Certificate III in Children’s Services Other TAFE support services interested in delivery style Strong interest from other Family Day Schemes