10 Ways of Working

CHILDKIND BEST PRACTICE FRAMEWORK

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The ChildKind Best Practice Framework is supported by ten (10) best practice ‘ways of working’ that define the actions that need to be taken by practitioners to ensure children and families achieve optimal outcomes.

Overview

The 10 ChildKind Ways of Working have been codesigned by families of children with disability, developmental delay, and neurodivergence, and the practitioners who support them, to establish a holistic framework that prioritises the unique needs of each child and their family. By integrating these ways of working into everyday practice, practitioners can deliver high-quality, child-centred care that promotes inclusion and values the perspectives of families. The 10 ChildKind Ways of Working are:

  1. Observe and Respond
  2. Centre Me and My Family
  3. Promote Inclusion
  4. Individualise My Supports
  5. Embrace Evidence
  6. Be Agile
  7. Collaborate with Others
  8. Learn and Grow
  9. Build My Capacity
  10. Support My Transition

Ways of Working At A Glance:

Each of the 10 ChildKind Ways of Working is summarised as follows:

ChildKind Competency Framework

Reimagine Australia’s ChildKind Best Practice Framework has been designed to support practitioners to deliver best practice, in an inclusive, safe, and strengths-based way. 

It delivers a first-of-it’s-kind competency framework that identifies and describes 30 capabilities, based on 10 “ways of working” that are essential in the delivery of best-practice Early Childhood Developmental Supports. 

The Framework embraces a child’s journey from detection and diagnosis through to transition. This diagram below provides a high-level overview of the ChildKind Best Practice Framework.

The one common denominator for all young children is that early intervention works and improves the prognosis.

The 30 ChildKind Key Competencies

Way of Working 1:
Observe and Respond: Promptly addressing children's and families' needs by adapting strategies to support their well-being and development.

I will stay up-to-date and informed on the early signs of disability, developmental delay and neurodivergence, and methods for detection and assessment.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will intervene early and provide supports and accommodations for children and their families, regardless of diagnosis, and provide support through the diagnosis process.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will act swiftly and make appropriate referrals to other professional supports that can nurture the child’s development and equip the family with knowledge and tools.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 2:
Centre Me and My Family: Ensuring needs, values, and perspectives are prioritised, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

I will ensure clear and open communication to address the needs of the children and families I support, utilising relational skills to build trust, empathise, and collaborate effectively.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will approach interactions with a trauma-informed mindset to support children and their families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will be fully present and compassionate in my interactions with children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 3:
Promote Inclusion: Adapting practices to ensure all children and families feel valued, supported, and fully integrated into their communities.

I will advocate for children and families to ensure their needs and rights are met, empowering them to self-advocate where possible, while considering, balancing, and respecting the autonomy of the child and family.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will honour diverse cultural backgrounds, religions and identities of children and families ensuring to use my skills and abilities to understand and support them in a culturally sensitive manner.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will embrace practices that affirm neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and lived experiences, while actively combating ableism in my work with children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 4:
Individualise My Supports: Customising services and strategies to meet my unique needs, preferences, and goals.

I will set clear SMART priorities and goals to tailor support to the unique needs of each child and family, implementing functional and participation-based goal setting.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will consider all aspects of a child’s and family’s environment and identity in planning supports.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will adapt practices to meet the unique needs of each child and family, regularly reviewing and adjusting supports as needed to ensure they effectively serve children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 5:
Embrace Evidence: Utilising research-based practices to ensure the most effective and relevant supports for children and families.

I will apply the best available evidence and practice to support the development of children and families, ensuring that the approach is family-centred and strengths-based.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will stay informed about the latest research and innovative practices across early childhood development.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will focus on practices that support the early development of children, with an understanding of developmental milestones and the child’s zone of proximal development.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 6:
Be Agile: Swiftly adapting to changing needs and circumstances to provide timely and effective support.

I will regularly review and adjust my process reflecting on the outcomes of my adaptive practice to best serve children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will help children and families understand and navigate the systems that affect their lives, providing knowledge on which systems and supports can be accessed and how to utilise them effectively.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will be prepared to manage risks effectively to support children and families in times of need.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 7:
Collaborate with Others: Working together with families, professionals, and communities to create cohesive and comprehensive support for children's development and wellbeing.

I will work together with other professionals and stakeholders to support the needs of children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will build networks and develop community connections to enhance support for children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will seek and provide referrals and other peer and community support as needed for children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 8:
Learn and Grow: Continuously enhancing knowledge and skills to provide the best support for children and families.

I will commit to continuous learning and professional development to better support children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will regularly reflect on my practices to improve my support for children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will prioritise self-care to maintain my well-being and effectiveness in supporting children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 9:
Build My Capacity: Developing skills, knowledge, and resources to enhance effectiveness and support for children and families.

I will focus on developing and strengthening the capabilities of children and families to help them reach their full potential.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will ensure that my communication methods are accessible and understandable for all children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will facilitate access to peer and community support to provide a network of assistance for children and families.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Way of Working 10:
Support My Transition: Providing tailored guidance and resources to ensure a smooth adjustment and continued development.

I will understand what transitions take place in a child’s life and proactively prepare both the child and the family, whilst coordinating with the team around the child.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will work with the family and their team to design a flexible transition plan, as early as possible.

Explore this Key Competency here.

I will foster relationships with new team members and provide emotional support for the child and family throughout each stage of transition.

Explore this Key Competency here.

Competency Milestones

The 30 Key Competencies that support the 10 Childkind Ways of Working are each broken down into four milestone levels of practitioner capability.

Foundational Competency Milestone:

At the Foundational milestone level, practitioners demonstrate ability to apply core concepts in straightforward, everyday contexts and some complicated presentations with support. Their focus is on building knowledge and applying learned strategies to support and engage children, their families or carers and other practitioners. They adapt their approach to meet the individual needs of those they work with and support and are attentive to inclusivity, communication, and fostering participation. Practitioners are developing their ability to use different models or approaches and work collaboratively, while ensuring their efforts align with the preferences and values of the children and families that they provide supports and services to.

Intermediate Competency Milestone:

At the Intermediate milestone level, practitioners are more proficient in tailoring their strategies to diverse situations and are capable of enhancing engagement with a wider range of individuals and contexts. They take on a more active role in empowering others to advocate for themselves and collaborate effectively with peers, families, and external partners. Flexibility in applying different techniques and approaches is emphasised, and practitioners are focused on ensuring that participants are involved in decision-making processes. At this level, there is a stronger emphasis on using knowledge and experience to create positive, inclusive outcomes.

Accomplished Competency Milestone:

Practitioners at the Accomplished milestone level show leadership in designing and implementing strategies that promote participation, advocacy, and inclusion. They are proficient in managing complex scenarios, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and respected, and encouraging others to take an active role in discussions and decision-making. Their ability to adapt multiple models or approaches is highly developed, and they apply these approaches in a way that is tailored to the unique needs of individuals and groups. This level emphasises the practitioner’s role in leading efforts to create a culture of empowerment and inclusion.

Leading Competency Milestone:

At the Leading milestone level, practitioners are strategic leaders and innovators in their field. They seek to influence practices and policies within and beyond their organisation to improve participation, inclusion, and advocacy outcomes on a broad scale. Collaboration is deepened, as they work alongside children and their families and carers, and stakeholders to co-create solutions and develop comprehensive, flexible strategies. Practitioners at this level combine deep knowledge of various models and approaches with an ability to mentor and guide others, ensuring that advocacy and engagement efforts are maximised and tailored to diverse, often challenging, contexts.

ChildKind Documentation

Access more information on the ChildKind Best Practice Framework with its 10 Ways of Working, 30 Key Competencies and 8 supporting Values and Behaviours here: