Course overview
To develop pre-service teachers’ understanding of physical health, safety, nutrition, and holistic wellbeing in early childhood, grounded in key theories and contemporary perspectives. It builds pre-service teachers’ capacity to design and evaluate play-based, intentional pedagogies that promote children’s physical wellbeing in partnership with families and communities. Through a critical examination of child protection and occupational health and safety policies, pre-service teachers gain an understanding of the role leadership, teachers and educators have in creating safe, healthy environments and their impact these have on children’s and educators’ wellbeing.
Course learning outcomes
- Discuss key elements and theories of physical health, safety, nutrition, and holistic wellbeing in early childhood.
- Develop a repertoire of strategies which facilitate the development of health, safety and wellbeing of children, recognising partnerships with family and community.
- Design and critically evaluate play experiences and pedagogical approaches which promote children’s physical wellbeing through intentional teaching and participation in movement experiences, health and nutrition education.
- Explain the role that leadership, teachers and educators have in ensuring practices and conditions that support the health and wellbeing of children and staff.
- Critically evaluate child protection policy and occupational health and safety requirements and the impact these have on the health and wellbeing of young children and educators.