CHCPR515A: Develop and implement a program to support sustainable practice

Descriptor: This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to analyse the child care workplace in relation to environmental sustainability of work practices, to implement improvements and analyse their effectiveness
Employability Skills: This unit contains Employability Skills
Application: This unit applies to work across a range of child care settings

Element	Performance Criteria
Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.	The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.
1. Analyse environmental sustainability of child care workplace	1.1 Identify aspects of sustainability to analyse the workplace 1.2 Review potential for change in aspects of the child care environment 1.3 Identify key areas where change could be instigated to enhance environmental sustainability
2. Support behavioural change processes and the role they play in sustainability	2.1 Encourage children to exchange thoughts and ideas about sustainable issues through guided discussion, projects and experiences 2.2 Explore ethical dilemmas of waste disposal and water conservation with all stakeholders 2.3 Encourage adults and children to participate in sustainable practices that integrate the service delivery systems
3. Design and implement a program to support behavioural change for sustainability	3.1 Explore strategies and opportunities to implement sustainable building design where possible 3.2 Apply strategies for children to connect with the natural world in outdoor spaces 3.3 Use waste, natural or recycled materials for improvised play experiences 3.4 Apply waste management strategies where possible 3.5 Apply water conservation strategies where possible 3.6 Use safe and sustainable cleaning practices 3.7 Guide children to understand the link between plants, animals and humans
4. Review the sustainability program	4.1 Evaluate the program outcomes on a regular basis 4.2 Involve the community, children and adults in evaluating the program 4.3 Document outcomes of the program and implement changes based on evaluation evidence

Required Skills And Knowledge

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively perform task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit

These include knowledge of:

Historical context of sustainable development and sustainability, including definitions of sustainability and the impacts of historical world events
Impact of key global issues, such as climate change, ozone layer effects, greenhouse effect, earth resources, and biodiversity
Intergenerational equity and equitable sharing of resources
Barriers and drivers for behavioural change
Awareness of the importance of community as a source of knowledge, skills and values
Sustainable practices in:
- waste management
- water use
- cleaning and maintenance and building, equipment and associated resources
Awareness of sustainable building design to maximise the use of natural light/heating and cooling
Human biology and the link between plants, animals and humans
Awareness of strategies to increase children’s experiences and understanding of animals and the natural environment
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation processes for sustainability program

Essential skills:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate relevant task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills
These include the ability to:

Undertake an analysis of the environmental sustainability of the child care workplace
Identify and support potential for workplace change to enhance environmental sustainability, including:
- design (e.g. of building and resources)
- practices and systems
- behavioural change
Design, implement and review a program to enhance environmental sustainability in the child care workplace
Involve staff, children and the broader community in participating in and evaluating a program to enhance environmental sustainability

Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Aspects of sustainability may include:	Environmental Social and Economic aspects
Aspects of the child care environment may include:	Building and associated structural aspects Waste disposal practices Water conservation practices Maintenance and cleaning practices Use of waste, natural and/or recycled materials in programs Expressed values and role modelling behaviours
Ethical dilemmas in sustainability programs may include:	Budget constraints Decision-making responsibility Health concerns related to reuse of some materials Parent/carer expectations may conflict with sustainable practices
Sustainable practices may include:	Recycling materials Using environment friendly products in activities and cleaning Limiting the use of power and water Regeneration of natural environments where possible
Sustainable building design may include:	Use of recycles materials Integration of environment saving features, e.g. solar power Use of natural light and existing natural surrounds for shade and exploratory activities
Natural world in outdoor spaces may include:	Indigenous plants that attract native fauna and reflect changes seasons and climate Vegetable, herb or flower gardens and natural ground surfaces such as grass, rocks, and tanbark are provided Contact with animals on a regular basis with a focus on knowledge as well as fostering care and respect for all living creatures
Waste management strategies may include:	Paper, plastic and metal recycling Composting Worm farming
Water conservation strategies may include:	Installing water saving devices Water tanks Monitored and/or timed water use
Sustainable cleaning practices may include:	Limiting water wast Using environment friendly products Disposing of waste with first consideration being to potential for recycling

Evidence Guide

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.