Revised 8/2026
EDU 235 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition Education (3 CR.)
Course Description
Focuses on the health, safety, and nutritional needs of children and developmentally appropriate methods to meet these needs. Emphasizes children's well-being through mindful practices that address health and hygiene, nutrition and feeding routines, childhood diseases, and safety issues. Discusses strategies to promote the mental and physical well-being of children, as well as procedures for reporting child abuse. Lecture 3 hours per week
General Course Purpose
To prepare the early childhood educator to meet the physical needs of young children through preparation of a safe environment, planned routines and positive experiences in the areas of health, safety and nutrition.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
Functional literacy in the English language; reading at the 12th grade level.
Course Objectives
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify health, safety and nutrition practices which meet the changing developmental needs of typically and atypically developing children, ages birth to 8.
- List and apply culturally responsive health routines for children within the framework of the early childhood program.
- Outline appropriate meal planning practices for young children.
- Identify common childhood diseases, and plan appropriate responses to their onset.
- Create child-centered activities to promote conceptual understanding in children of self-care in the areas of health, safety and nutrition.
- Define and discuss child abuse, identification of symptoms, and appropriate procedures.
- Identify and apply current State and National standards and competencies as they relate to working with children and families.
Major Topics to Be Included
- Impact of health, safety, and nutrition practices on the development of the whole child
- Culturally responsive daily routines that enhance the physical and psychological well-being of young children.
- Scheduling routines into daily lives of young children
- Simple menu planning for children
- Health issues related to eating habits in children
- Identification and prevention of common childhood diseases
- Planning and creating a safe, healthy, and trauma-informed learning environment for children
- Child abuse identification and reporting responsibilities