Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is designed to assist individuals who through their profession and/or personal lives are involved with the care of young children. Upon satisfactory completion of this course the student will have a greater understanding of current children's health issues and how to promote a healthful lifestyle for young children.
This course will present current issues in children's health, including recognition and treatment of common childhood illnesses and ailments, dental health, child abuse, nutrition, health , safety and accident prevention. Child care providers will be encouraged to see themselves as health educators and promoters of children's health.

• Recognize current significant childrens health issues in the United States
• Analyze societal and environmental influences on childrens health
• Demonstrate knowledge of age appropriate health, safety, and nutrition behaviors for children that promote health
• Demonstrate ability to promote health among young children

• Written examination
• Critical analysis of material
• Journaling and self assessment
• Group problem solving
• Class room activities and discussion
• Oral presentation
• Health Education lesson presentation

Process Skills
Critical thinking
 

•  compare
•   problem solving
•   decision making
•   evaluate validity

Communication skills
 

1.  oral and written communication
2.  computer literacy
3.  calibration skills
4.  cooperative group work

Intrapersonal skills
 

•   values clarification
•   reflective journal writing

Themes, Concepts, Ideas
 

•   Define the concept of wellness, its components, and its application to young children
•   Societal and environmental influences on current health issues for children
•   Identify and discuss afflictions on the ENT area: ear infections, sore throats, swimmers ear, broken ear drum
•   Identify and discuss afflictions of the skin: impetigo, scabies, ringworm, contact dermatitis, and eczema
•   Explain how accident prevention, dental health and emotional health are special health considerations for young children.
•   Know signs, symptoms, and treatments for common childhood illnesses and ailments; the role sanitation and immunization perform in the prevention of communication diseases.
•   Understand disease transmission principles and prevention of transmission: define prodromal, contagious, incubation period, immunization
•   Relate the latest AMA immunization recommendations for infants and young children
• Understand the principles of good dental health in young children.
•   Know the dietary guidelines and Food Pyramid for Americans
•   Identify the food group pyramid and know recommended servings for infants and children; describe the ideal dietary proportions of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates, and simple carbohydrates.
•   Identify and know characteristics of water soluble and fat soluble vitamins
•   Explain nutrient density in foods and its application in snack food selection
•   Know the major nutritional problems facing young children today in the United States.
•   Analyze the influence of media on nutrition attitudes and choices
• Know how to create a safe environment and mange accidents and injuries for young children.
•   Know the most frequent causes of accidental death among young children
•   Describe the teacher’s or caregiver’s role and responsibilities as they relate to management of accidental injuries and illness
•   Identify types of abuse and neglect; describe characteristics of abusive adults and abused children.
•   Describe actions the teacher should take in a case of suspected child abuse.
•   Develop age appropriate strategies to promote sound emotional health and positive stress management
•   Recognize ways in which children demonstrate their stress; understand the G.A.S.
•   Analyze significant emerging health issues, such as environmental pollutants and obesity, influence on children’s health.