SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Educate and support parents in childcare 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117505  Educate and support parents in childcare 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ancillary Health Care 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Preventive Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for Community Health Workers who are required to educate and engage with families to promote the optimal health of mother and child, from birth to age 6.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Educate and support parents to prevent infection in the home environment.
  • Assist parents with the various infant feeding options available.
  • Educate and support parents regarding the growth and development of the child from birth to 6 years.
  • Educate and support parents to comply with antenatal care.
  • Educate and support parents to comply with postnatal care.
  • Educate and support parents with the management of childhood illnesses. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation for this unit standard is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • SAQA ID No. 9824.
  • SAQA ID No. 9827.
  • SAQA ID No. 113966.
  • Understand the relevance of ethical issues in community work and educate community members on rights and responsibilities.
  • SAQA ID No. 117493
  • SAQA ID No. 116999
  • SAQA ID No. 117017
  • SAQA ID No. 117007
  • SAQA ID No. 116987 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard applies to persons who will be working under adequate supervision of a competent person with appropriate and relevant experience.
  • Includes all basic aspects of mother and child care in a variety of settings, these settings could include the home, Primary Health Care Clinics, Mother-to-Child Clinics, Child Care Centres, Community, or Institutions.
  • Parent implies mother, father, guardian or other primary care giver. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Educate and support parents to prevent infection in the home environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Causes of infection in the home environment are identified and explained in terms of contributing factors and prevention. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information regarding disease and the disease process is communicated to parents in terms of how it applies within the context of the disease process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Actions recommended to prevent the spread of disease are relevant in terms of the specific setting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different hand-washing techniques are demonstrated in accordance with accepted hygiene principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Cleaning and sterilisation of baby bottles and equipment is explained in terms of the purpose and methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Disposal of waste is explained in terms of health and safety legislation requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Waste includes food, medical, animal and human waste.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The use of mosquito nets is demonstrated and explained in terms of the prevention of malaria. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Assist parents with the various infant-feeding options available. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different feeding options are explained in terms of the method, common problems and infant nutritional requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Feeding options include formula and breast-feeding, bottle and cup and spoon.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The mother is assisted with breast feeding in terms of breast care and latching the infant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The advantages and disadvantages of breast-feeding are explained in terms of maternal bonding and infant health . 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Methods of expressing breast milk are explained and demonstrated in accordance with the mother and infant's specific situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Nutritional requirements for a breast-feeding mother are explained in terms of the effect on breast milk and infant requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of hygiene and sterilisation are explained in terms of the effect on infant health and susceptibility to infection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Special needs of an infant being weaned are identified in terms of nutritional requirements and control of parasites. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Educate and support parents regarding the growth and development of the child from birth to 6 years. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Child development from birth to 6 years is explained according to normal physical and mental development. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Situations exposing an infant to risk of abnormal development are identified in terms of causes, effects and possible remedies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Treatment of abnormal development is explained in terms of identifying danger signs and appropriate referral. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Weighing and recording the weight of the child is explained in terms of different techniques available and the importance of accurate records. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The "road to health chart" is explained and interpreted to the parent and advice given is appropriate to the specific situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The immunisation programme is explained in terms of its importance and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Infant physical and mental stimulation is explained in terms of the different methods and their purposes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Educate and support parents to comply with antenatal care. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for regular clinic visits during pregnancy are explained in terms of the benefits to parents and the health of the unborn child. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of certain routine medication is explained in terms of the benefits to the mother and the unborn child. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of not taking unprescribed medication during pregnancy is explained in terms of the potential effects on the health of the unborn child. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of partner/father involvement during the pregnancy and childbirth stages is explained in terms of bonding and support to the mother. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Educate and support parents to comply with postnatal care. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The first seven days postpartum are explained in terms of the importance for both mother and child. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of the first postnatal clinic visit is explained in terms of the benefits to parents and the infant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Normal developmental changes are explained in terms of symptoms and effects for both mother and child. Symptoms of abnormal development are identified and reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of both family and community support structures is explained in terms of the benefits to both parents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Infant spacing is explained in terms of the benefits and available methods of contraception. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of father/partner involvement in child rearing is explained in terms of bonding and support to the mother. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Situations exposing parents or the infant to risk of abnormal development are identified in terms of causes, effects and possible remedies. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Educate and support parents with the management of childhood illnesses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Common childhood illnesses are described in terms of their signs, symptoms and effects. Danger signs and appropriate referral actions are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Common childhood illnesses include: Coughs, colds and fever, pneumonia, Ear problems, Diarrhoea and dehydration, malnutrition, Worms, Mouth sores, Skin eruptions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The prevention of common illnesses is described in terms of suitable methods and preventative measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Home treatment of common illnesses is explained in terms of common remedies and when to stop home treatments and refer to health practitioners. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The child is cared for in accordance with specific post illness requirements to facilitate full recovery in the shortest possible time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Common myths regarding childhood illnesses are dispelled in accordance with scientific medical findings. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Names and functions of:
    > Female Reproductive organs.
    > Normal foetal and child growth development.
    > Normal milestones (physical and mental).
    > Safe and appropriate home remedies.
    > Available and relevant Health Services (both community and state).
  • Descriptions, characteristics and properties:
    > Modes of infection.
    > Disease process.
    > Normal Pregnancy.
    > The at risk mother/infant.
    > The needs and problems of mother and child care.
    > Common illnesses.
  • Sensory cues:
    > Basic needs of the mother and child.
    > Assessment of mother and child.
    > Signs and symptoms of common illnesses.
    > Danger signs.
  • Purpose of:
    > Basic infection control principles.
    > Ante and postnatal visit.
    > Growth chart.
    > Immunisation schedule.
    > Counselling.
    > Clinic visits.
  • Events, causes and effects and implications:
    > Family planning.
    > Feeding.
    > Referral to other Health Practitioners.
  • Categories:
    > Level of care required by mother.
    > Level of care required by child.
  • Procedures and techniques:
    > Disease prevention (including sterilisation of bottles and equipment).
    > Food preparation.
    > Correct feeding techniques.
    > Correct documentation of events.
    > Correct identification of at risk clients.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
    > The rights of the "client".
    > Family planning legislation.
    > Patient advocacy.
    > SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) applications.
    > Clinic systems and related welfare policies.
  • Relationships and systems:
    > Importance of supporting the family structure.
    > Importance of maternal and infant bonding.
    > Importance of client/practitioner relationship within the personal and community environment ("client" confidentiality).
    > Correct and effective usage of the referral systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify problems related to pregnancy, feeding and development of the infant and child and common illnesses and promote problem solving in the relevant context. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with the mother, child, family, health team and community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's time responsibly and efficiently within the context of the family and the community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information pertaining to basic mother and childcare. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with mothers, children, health team and community in order to facilitate improved mother and childcare and support. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology in the context of households, communities and available health care services. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems with regard to the different community and health structures as well as cultural sensitivity. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:

    Specified requirements:
  • Legal: - Local child-abuse protocols.
  • Guidelines for scope of practice of the AHW.

    Site specific:

    Learners must work in accordance with the protocols, procedures and policies of the relevant work environment.

    Unit Standards justification:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:

    Activity-Hours
    Classroom learning-40
    On-the-job learning-60
    Self directed learning-10
    Coaching required-10
    Other-
    Total-120

    Credits achieved: 12 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49128   National Certificate: Community Health Work  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-04-08  Was HW SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  64697   Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Health Work  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Elective  49131   Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Health Work  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-02-18  Was HW SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  49531   Further Education and Training Certificate: Inclusive Education  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 
    Elective  67373   National Diploma: Orientation and Mobility Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.