Reference no: EM132191638

Developing draft policy

Activity 1

To complete this task refer to (pp. 27-35) of your textbook ‘The Business of Child Care' and your readings:

- Effective policy development.
- Child Care Staff: Learning and growing through professional development.
- Performance evaluation and development planning (3).
Draft Policy Development Template
Policy Title: Professional Development Policy

1. Define the issue or need
Why is professional development necessary in early childhood? Include links to the National Quality Standard, the Early Years Learning Framework and the Code of Ethics.

How does professional development support staff retention?

1. Research information
Define professional development in early childhood.

Provide (at least two) web addresses and summary of content for each website used as references/research on EC professional development (ensuring they are current, relevant, reflect national/international trends).

Identify the principles of adult learning and comment on the importance of the professional development provided to EC staff meeting the principles of adult learning.

List five professional development topics relevant to EC educators.

List two professional development topics relevant to EC ancillary staff for example the cook or administrative assistant.

Professional development is determined on an individual basis based on strengths, areas for improvement, interests and goals. Typically a staff appraisal/performance evaluation form is used.

Research and attach a copy of an appraisal/performance form or design one of your own relevant to the early childhood profession.

1. Determine the scope (goal) of the policy

Policy Objective:
To facilitate relevant professional development for each staff member based on an annual appraisal/performance review focused on individual goals based on strengths, areas for improvement and interests.

2. Prepare a draft policy.
Using the provided policy objective and the information from points 1 & 2 complete the following sections to develop a draft professional development policy.
Rationale:
A summary of the significant points from research

Procedures:
Define the policy procedure considering: types of training, methods of training, mandatory/compliance related training, budget, scheduling and timing, number of training sessions staff are expected to attend annually, reporting back to team on knowledge/skills gained from PD, recording of professional development attended, individual plans related to appraisal/performance review, other relevant points.

1. Review of the draft policy
List the stakeholders that you would consult with regarding the professional development policy.

List the ways that the draft policy could be disseminated to the stakeholders.

Consultation and review of policy

Activity 1

This activity requires you to engage in a consultation process with stakeholders on the draft policy for professional development in an early childhood service. This activity has three parts.

Part A.
You are required to consult with two stakeholder groups:

i. The Director, Workplace Supervisor or Manager of the service to source feedback on the research, content and format of the draft professional development policy. Discussion on the consultation process,review process for policies, ratification/approval process for policies, advising on policy changes on a timely manner, implementation issues and monitoring the implementation of the policy.

ii. At least two educators to source feedback on the relevance of your research and the identified professional development needs.

Part B.
When you have completed the consultation process you are required to analyse the findings and write a report on the outcomes.

Part C.
You are required to modify the draft professional development policy according to the outcomes of the consultation and develop a proposed plan for the implementation and review of the revised policy.

Please review the students draft professional development policy and provide feedback on the following points. The student will use the feedback to modify the draft policy as required.

How does the policy reflect current best practice/ legislation or industry standards? Suggestions to improve/extend, more relevant sources.
How does the policy meet stakeholder (educators) needs? Suggestions to improve/extend.

Is the procedure for implementation of the policy attainable, suitable and relevant? Suggestions to improve/extend.
Identify and describe any ambiguities, concerns or issues in relation to the implementation of this policy.

What, if any, changes could be made to improve this policy? (E.g. is the document written in plain English? Does it include clear steps or directions?).

In consultation with your director, workplace supervisor or manager access a copy of the services Professional Development policy and answer the following questions.

Describe the consultation process for the review of policies.

Describe theratification/approval process for policies.

Describe how the stakeholders are advised of any policy changes in a timely manner.

Comment on how the professional development policy is implemented.

Comment on any implementation issues related to the professional development policy (consider budget allocations/funding, time available, privacy/confidentiality, resources etc.).

Professional Development Survey

This survey is being undertaken as part of my studies. It would be appreciated if you could take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey and return it to me. All responses will be treated as anonymous. Thank you for your cooperation and participation.

1. Have you undertaken any of the following professional development in the last 6 months? (please tick)
- Webinars/online forums or discussions - Workshops -Conferences - Networking
- Professional reading -Other___________________________________________

2. What type of professional development do you most prefer? Number in order of preference 1-6.
- Webinars/online forums or discussions - Workshops -Conferences - Networking
-Professional reading - Other____________________________________________

3. What topics or areas of professional development are of most interest to you? (please state)

4. What do you consider to be your key areas of knowledge and strengths as an educator?

5. What key areas of knowledge and/or skills do you feel that professional development would be of benefit to you?

6. What resources would best support your professional development needs?

7. Do you feel the professional development you undertake reflects the culture, values and objectives of the service? Comment on how/why.

8. How is your professional development planned? For example from appraisal/performance review, mandatory/compliance training, goal setting from strengths, interests and/or areas of development. Describe the procedure involved.

Attachment:- Task.rar