Working with families

Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate care for children CHCRF511A

This unit is about working in partnership with families to care for children.

 

Requirements

1. Consult family members about the child, and the child's needs

  1. Gather information about the child's needs, routines and preferences on an ongoing basis
  2. Briefly gather information about key family events that may influence the child's behaviour
  3. Maintain confidentiality of information
  4. Exchange information about child's interests
  5. Gather information about family's specific child care practices
  6. Actively ask for parent requests about their child's care
  7. Use appropriate communication strategies and a collaborative style of relating (including empathy, active listening, and checking your understanding)
  8. Show respect for parent's strengths, competence and knowledge of their child
  9. Demonstrate a non-judgmental attitude to different perspectives

 

2. Reach agreement with family members about care practices

  1. Reach agreement on specific requests by negotiation and modification of care practices
  2. Explain importance of program aspects to parents in relation to their child's needs/development
  3. Clearly explain and discuss limitations
  4. Negotiate alternatives/compromises as necessary
  5. Clearly communicate final decision to all involved

 

3. Inform parents/carers about incidents and develop follow-up care strategies together

  1. Clearly and calmly communicate information about specific incidents
  2. Allow time to listen to reaction of parent/s and/or carer/s to news of incident
  3. Facilitate discussion about possible impact of incidents
  4. Make suggestions about suitable responses as appropriate
  5. Develop and implement strategies for response by family and service

 

4. Respond to a family member's concerns about a child

  1. Listen respectfully to questions and concerns
  2. Discuss situation causing concern with family member to reach clear understanding of situation
  3. Develop and implement strategies for response by family and service
  4. Determine and fulfil appropriate follow up

 

5. Give family members opportunity to participate in the service/ program

  1. Create a welcoming atmosphere for all family members
  2. Give family members opportunities to participate in the children's experiences
  3. Create opportunities for parents/family members to give feedback and ideas about the program
  4. Encourage parents to be involved in decision-making processes of the service
  5. Accept varying levels of involvement in communications with parents
  6. Facilitate parent and carer support networks
  7. Promote the importance of parenting and caring

 

6. Other skills

  1. Treat all parents and children equitably, including Indigenous people
  2. Work with cultural diversity.