ECE 125 - Nutrition, Health, and Safety for the Young Child

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

In-depth study of the health, safety and nutritional needs of children. Includes children’s nutritional needs, caregiver responsibilities, food allergies, promoting healthy attitudes, illness prevention, record keeping, promotion of health and safety, safe environments, and community resources.

Prerequisite(s): ECE 117
Information: All ECE classes require college-level reading and writing skills.

Course Learning Outcomes

Identify and describe practices which result in a safe environment for young children (NAEYC 1a, 1b, 1c).
Explain ways to support wellness routines in a care setting, including responses to and documentation of illness, injury and child maltreatment (NAEYC1a, 1b, 1c, 3b, 3d, 4a, 4b, 6b)
Plan nutritious snacks and meals for young children in care settings (NAEYC 1a, 4d).
Develop appropriate learning opportunities for young children in health, safety and nutrition (NAEYC 1a, 1b, 1c, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 5c).
Describe methods for engaging children and families in safety and health practices, including connection to local community, state and national resources (NAEYC 2a, 2b, 2c, 4a, 6c, 6e).

Outline:

Practices for a Safe Environment
1. Features of quality programs
2. Guidelines for safe environments
3. Risk assessment and management
4. Food safety
5. Sleep safety; Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Support Wellness Routines and Documentation
1. Hygiene
2. Childhood illnesses and disease transmission
3. Injuries
4. Child mistreatment identification and reporting
5. Prevention strategies
6. Health assessment tools
7. Daily observation
8. Health records
9. Involvement and communication with families
Plan Nutritious Snacks and Meals
1. Identifying allergies
2. Identifying food intolerances
3. Modifying diets
4. Meal planning
5. Nutritional guidelines
6. Family-style meals
Learning Opportunities for Children
1. Cultural considerations
2. How children learn about nutrition and health
3. Attitudes about food and illness
4. Developmentally appropriate practices
5. Integrated curriculum with health, safety and nutrition topics
6. Ways to implement safe and healthy field trips
Engaging Families and Utilizing Community Resources
1. Parent involvement
2. Role of the teacher
3. Role of the community
4. Health, safety and nutritional resources for families