A study of the factors that impact the well-being of the young child including healthy behavior, food, nutrition, fitness, and safety practices. Focuses on local and national standards and legal implications of relevant policies and regulations. Course content must be aligned as applicable with State Board for Educator Certification Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities standards and coincide with the National Association for the Education of Young Children position statement related to developmentally appropriate practices for children from birth to age eight. Requires students to participate in field experiences with children from infancy through age 12 in a variety of settings with varied and diverse populations. Course includes a minimum of 16 hours of field experiences.
Co-Requisites and Pre-Requisites: Passage of background check.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Describe the relationship between health, safety and nutrition.
2. Describe the basic principles of healthy behavior and guidance practices that influence health promotion, safe practices and disease prevention for young children.
3. Analyze principles of nutrition and the application to nutritional assessment.
4. Identify policy and regulatory requirements for nutrition.
5. Describe the role of physical fitness as it contributes to healthy behavior.
6. Evaluate and make recommendations for modifications of regulations regarding child’s safety, safety procedures, and children’s environments for safety.
7. Describe how physical, social, and emotional environments influence a child’s health.
Sorte, J., Daeschel, I., & Amador, C. (2016). Nutrition, health and safety for young children: Promoting wellness (4th ed.). Pearson.
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). 2022. Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8. 4th ed. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Grades will be taken at the discretion of the instructor. Semester grades are based on the following:
Attendance/Participation/Discussions 25%
Assignments 20%
Projects & Assessments 30%
Observations 25%
At the end of the semester, you will receive a letter grade based on the following averages:
A = 90 – 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = 0 – 59%
ADA Statement:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.