Module Details

Module Code: CHLD 7010
Title: Child Health and Nutrition
Long Title: Child Health and Nutrition
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 7610 - Childcare
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will provide students with an understanding of the nutritional and health needs of children attending ECEC services.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the epidemiology of childhood illnesses.
LO2 Implement health promotion strategies within an early education setting applying national frameworks, guidelines and regulations.
LO3 Analyse and advise on the dietary needs of children aged from birth.
LO4 Plan a well-balanced meal for young children.
LO5 Prepare and serve a variety of food dishes appropriate to children.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Epidemiology of Childhood Illnesses
Infectious diseases and infections. Infestations. Disease transmission, immunity. Genetics. Preventing illness, identification of children at risk, care of sick children in the work setting.
Nutrition and Food Science
Nutrition and food science. The study of individual food nutrients and the role they play in ensuring a healthy diet. Relating national guidelines, frameworks and regulations.
The Diet
The role that diet plays in preventing/causing disease with an emphasis on children's eating habits from birth. Breastfeeding and formula feeding. Balanced diet and food portions. This module segments the different age group dietary requirements from birth to 12 years, healthy snacks, breakfast clubs.
Specialised Diets
Specialised diets and eating disorders. How to manage specialised diets, e.g. coeliac, diabetes. Obesity, hyperactivity, autism, food allergies and intolerances, allergens which must be labelled.
Food Safety
To equip the student with the knowledge, skills and attitude to work with food in a hygienic and safe way, and to understand food safety legislation, FSAI, Safefood Ireland.
Food and Society
An awareness of the factors which affect what we eat. Our ideas about food. Food image, resources, religious cultural geographic and lifestyle influences.
Energy and Food
Energy and food. A child's energy requirements and the need to provide a healthy diet which best fulfills these needs.
Food Costing
Food costing. Providing a balanced nutritional diet within a budget.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Presentation on dietary needs and meal planning
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Kitchen/lab health project
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
In class exam
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Health lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Nutrition/Kitchen Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Health lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Nutrition/Kitchen Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Musgrave, J. (2017), Supporting Children's Health and Wellbeing, Sage, Lonodn, [ISBN: 9781473930322].
  • Rose, J., Gilbert, L., & Richards, V.. (2016), Health & Wellbeing in Early Childhood, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781446287309].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Mulberries, P. & Albon, D. (2008), Food and Health in Early Childhood: A Holistic Approach, Sage Publications, Los Angeles.
  • Drew, M. (2022), Uncovering Food Poverty in Ireland A Hidden Deprivation, Policy Press, Bristol, [ISBN: 978-144736153].
  • Mindell, E., & Mundis, H.. (2011), Earl Mindell's New Vitamin Bible, Grand Central Life & Style, New York, [ISBN: 0446561983].
  • Mortimore, S.E., Wallace, C. & Cassianos, C. (2013), HACCP: A Practical Approach, 3rd. Springer, New York, [ISBN: 9781461450276].
  • Rowell, K & McGlothlin, J. (2015), Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating: A Step-by Step Guide for Overcoming Selective Eating, Food Aversion, and Feeding Disorders, New Harbinger Publications, United States, [ISBN: 162625110X].
  • Schuh, M.C.. (2012), Healthy snacks on my plate, Capstone Press, United States, [ISBN: 1429694181].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HECEC_7 Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care 4 Mandatory