BC's Indigenous Public Post-Secondary Institute

AECL-172 - Health Safety & Wellness - 3.00 Credits

AECL-172 - Health Safety & Wellness - 3.00 Credits

Course Details
Learners in the Health Safety and Nutrition course develop skills in creating healthy inclusive programs for infants, toddlers, and young children with diverse needs and abilities. Strong emphasis is placed on the use of universal precautions, illness prevention, modeling healthy behaviors, and the inclusion of traditional Aboriginal foods in daily menus. Learners gain basic understanding of nutrition and traditional Aboriginal medicine. Furthermore, the current and historical role of social service agencies in Aboriginal communities is explored and community resources for families and children are identified.
Part of the:
  • CAREER TRAINING (EDUCATION) Department
  • Prerequisites : Admission to the program.
    Course Outline
    Instructors Qualifications: Relevant Master's Degree
    Office Hours: 1.5 per week
    Contact Hours: 45
    Student Evaluation
    Procedure:
    Assignments 50-70%, Final 30-50%, Total 100%. Grading procedures follow NVIT policy.
    Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:
  • Keeping cultural preferences in mind plan, prepare nutritious, appealing, and balanced snacks and meals (including traditional Aboriginal foods) for ECE programs.

  • Describe the process of monitoring, recording, and updating infant, toddler and young children’s physical and emotional health status using appropriate methods.

  • Describe the spiritual and philosophical aspects of plants and animals within the context of traditional Aboriginal beliefs.

  • Discuss the current and historical role of social service agencies in Aboriginal communities and identify community resources for children, families, and care providers.

  • Develop knowledge of required hygiene standards and procedures for an Early Childhood Education program and practice universal precautions as well as modeling of healthy behaviors.

  • Assess grounds, facilities, furnishings, equipment, and materials for safety, and identify unsafe items for removal, replacement, or repair.

  • Discuss the role of traditional and mainstream medication in Aboriginal ECE settings and develop comprehensive policies and procedures for storing and administering all types of medication.

  • Explain the role of preventative health in regard to issues; such as, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Diabetes, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis, AIDS, and Mental Health Disorders.

  • Explain the term preventative health and apply up-to-date knowledge of illness and injury prevention strategies to the health safety and nutrition policies of both Aboriginal and mainstream ECE programs.

  • Explain the importance of current licensing regulations for staff, families, volunteers, and other persons connected to an Early Childhood Education program.

  • State the importance of developing policies, protocols, and procedures for reporting protection concerns and or complying with court orders and discuss their implementation and maintenance.

  • Explain policies, protocols, and procedures for reporting protection concerns and/or complying with court orders to families and encourage parents to seek clarification of these policies and practices. Discuss the Child Family and Community Services Act.

  • Explain how to maintain accurate and current records about child protection and/or custody issues as required by statutory and regulatory requirements.

  • Discuss the importance of developing policies and procedures for ensuring the personal safety of staff and discuss the implementation and maintenance of these policies and procedures.

  • Discuss the organizational structure, authority, and procedures for provincial and local community care facilities licensing.

  • Discuss how to create comprehensive policies and procedures to meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and young children who are sick, injured, or have other health care needs (allergies, diets etc...) and discuss the maintenance and implementation of such policies.

  • Discuss ways to promptly report licensing related issues and maintain regular and on-going communication with licensing officers within established protocols.

  • Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of current licensing regulations and requirements and explore ways to maintain compliance with current provincial licensing regulations and requirements. (e.g. Child staff ratios, Criminal Record Checks, Nutrition).

  • Discuss the development of emergency procedures and protocols, including those for fire, earthquake, and critical incidents and discuss the maintenance and implementation of such policies.

  • Discuss how to observe, monitor and report on potential risks or indicators of abuse and neglect. Understand infant, toddler, and children's right to protection from abuse neglect and exploitation.

  • Explain the importance of developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures for obtaining and recording the appropriate legal guardian's consent for all necessary activities.
  • Text and Materials:
  • Pimento, Barbara, and Deborah Kernested. Healthy Foundations in Early Childhood Settings. Current Edition. Toronto. Nelson.


  • Other Resources:
    Transfer Credits: For more information visit: www.bctransferguide.ca
    Other Information: Education Council approved October 31, 2012