Revised 08/2025

EDU 235 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition Education (3 CR.)

Course Description

Focuses on the health and developmental needs of children and the methods by which these needs are met. Emphasizes positive health, hygiene, nutrition and feeding routines, childhood diseases, and safety issues. Emphasizes supporting 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