• History and current range of childcare provision in Ireland
• Current range of roles in childcare support organisations
• Personal qualities needed to be an effective childcare worker
• Dealing with personal and childcare issues
• Types of illness that would stop a child worker from presenting for work
• Equal opportunities in the childcare setting
• Importance of professional development

• Relevant sections of the Safety, Health and Welfare Work Act 1989 and how that impacts on the role of employers and employees.
• The Childcare Act 1991 and its implications for childcare workers
• Child protection legislation and the duty of care placed on the childcare worker.

• Role played by parents in children’s welfare
• How different family approaches affect children’s behavior
• Working with the parents
• Communicating effectively with parents

• The value of good interpersonal skills in childcare
• Use of verbal and non-verbal communication in the childcare setting  
• Listening attentively to the child
• Different methods of giving and receiving information
• The importance of confidentiality
• Working effectively as part of a team  
• Responsibilities of the childcare assistant and the supervisor

Unit 5: Personal reflection

• Understanding the term "personal reflection"
• Reflecting on personal experiences
• Relating theoretical learning to working with children
• Personal strengths and weaknesses
• Strategies for improving personal effectiveness