Sunday, January 13, 2013

The Child Care Diploma an Essential Qualification

If you are interested in working with children in any capacity it would be wise to take a training course in child care. The most comprehensive course with a highly valued qualification is the Diploma for Children and Young Peoples Workforce or as it is simply known the Child Care Diploma. This highly valued course combines theoretical knowledge and understanding with workplace assessment which sets the child care diploma above many other qualifications.

Child Care Diploma - Knowledge and Understanding

This part of the course comprises 21 modular units covering a vast amount of essential knowledge that you will need to understand and apply in the workplace. For example it covers:-

1. Understanding - Child development, safeguarding children and young people as well as how to support positive outcomes with them

2. Supporting - Children's health and safety as well as their need to achieve their learning potential, speech and language

3. Promoting - Equality and inclusion in their environment, physical activity, communication, learning and development and creativity

4. Developing - Positive relationships

The Childcare Diploma is listed on the QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) and just by completing a valid theory course you will gain the 65 credits needed for the qualification on completion of the work placement assessment. Extrapolate

Childcare Diploma - Workplace Assessment

This is where the application your knowledge and understanding comes under scrutiny. Normally you will need a placement (paid or voluntary) of around 100 hours in order to be assessed across the various areas that the child care diploma covers and ensure you have indeed grasped what you need to know in order to look after children and young people in a proper and fitting manner.

In order to be assessed you will need to gather evidence of the practice of essential skills you have learned from the theory part of the course. This evidence then needs to be documented and verified by a qualified (level 4 and above) on site worker.

It will encompass:

1. Observations of children and young people's activities
2. Witness statements of your work within the workplace
3. Professional discussions you have been engaged in
4. Observations of tasks completed by qualified child care workers

Once having completed both the theory and practical assessment to the satisfaction of your course tutor you will then gain the coveted CYPW Child Care Diploma

How to Find a Suitable Child Care Diploma Course

Care is needed when sourcing a course to ensure that you are engaging in an authentic training programme. The internet is the most convenient way of finding such education. Simply enter Childcare Diploma or CYPW in Google and course suppliers will be listed. Check that the course is listed on the QCF and that both the theory and practical aspects are included. Do not always enrol in the cheapest training make sure that the college provides tutor support and allows enough time to complete the two sections (theory and practical).

You can complete the theory Child Care Training even before you have a placement and the fact that you have done this will be an aid to get a job where you can enjoy your work with children and young people as you successfully finish the practical assessment and become the proud owner of the Child Care Diploma.