Module: Wellbeing, Health and Nutrition 1

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Wellbeing, Health and Nutrition 1 - Babies
Module Code	EC105
School	77
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Geraldine French Semester 2: Geraldine French Autumn: Geraldine French
Module Teachers	Geraldine French
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Coursework Only
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Description

This module introduces students to a holistic concept of wellbeing in early childhood, particularly in infancy. It explores the concepts of communication and physical health as determinants of wellbeing. Students’ will explore the concept of intersubjectivity and in this context the roles of interactions and relationships with important adults is emphasised, as is the underpinning construct of communication. The module emphasises the importance of multiple perspectives on child wellbeing, in particular bioecological perspectives (Bronfenner) and sociocultural perspectives (Rogoff) are explored. Through familiarity with these perspectives, attention is drawn to the interdependence of child, family, community and society. The benefits of breastfeeding are explored, as are other important factors related to nutrition for the youngest children. The relationships between diet, nutrition and health are illustrated with particular reference to the effects of poverty. Ways of overcoming barriers to wellbeing for diverse children are explored.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and explain key constructs of well being in infants, toddlers and young children.
2. Deconstruct the concept of holistic well being in early childhood, with a particular emphasis on communication and the support of language development.
3. Explain the importance of good nutrition for optimal well being in early childhood.
4. Reflect on cultural attitudes to breastfeeding, food and child care.
5. Describe some of the means of overcoming barriers to well being in early childhood.
6. Analyse data related to the wellbeing of the youngest children in Ireland and identify key issues of concern.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Assessment Feedback	25	No Description
Independent Study	76	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

A definition or characterisation of wellbeing
A definition or characterisation of wellbeing.

A model of wellbeing in early childhood (Roberts, 2010)
The concept of holistic wellbeing. Ecological and sociocultural perspectives.

Communication as a key aspect of wellbeing
The role of important adults. The importance of attachment theory.

Intersubjectivity between adult and child
What, how and why? The work of Trevarthen.

Infant health
Key determinants.

Breastfeeding
What the research says.

Nutrition, health and development in the first years
Healthy eating in early childhood.

Health inequalities
Health inequalities.

Food, culture and identities
Food, culture and identities.

Illness in early childhood
Illness in early childhood.

Accidents and injuries in early childhood
Preventative measures.

Promoting well being in early education settings
Promoting wellbeing in early education settings.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Written Exam	Loop quiz on nutrition 30%, health and hygiene focused assignment 30%, well being essay 30%	100%	Week 9

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Deborah Albon and Penny Mukherji: 2008, Food and health in early childhood, 1, 8, SAGE, 2008., Los Angeles, 1412947227
Dr Rosemary Roberts: 2010, Wellbeing from Birth, 1, 10, Sage Publications Ltd, 1848607210
Rosemary Roberts: 2006, Self-Esteem and Early Learning: Key People from Birth to School, 3rd, 11, Paul Chapman Educational Publishing, 141292281X

Other Resources

39722, Website, 0, First 1000 days: Nutrition now matters forever, http://www.first1000days.ie/?gclid=CMz797W8q70CFUKL2wodI4YAYA,

Programme or List of Programmes

BECE	Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

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