Skip to main content
Unit outline_

EDEC1007: Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study explores the promotion of infants', toddlers' and preschoolers' health and wellbeing in early childhood education settings. Legislative requirements, multiple theoretical perspectives, current research, and the positioning of early childhood teachers as autonomous and ethical professionals will be used to critically consider issues such as immunisation, childhood obesity, the provision of 'safe' early learning environments, nutrition, child protection and infection control. Consideration will be given to supporting children's health and wellbeing in ways that promote the rights, needs and best interests of young children and their families. Upholding duty of care in the context of 'risk society' and families' diverse values, beliefs and cultural practices will also be critically explored.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
EDEC1005 and EDEC1006 and EDGU1006
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Wilma Murdoch, wilma.murdoch@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Alison Frost, alison.frost@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task End of unit test: Scenarios
details on canvas
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 20 Nov 2023 at 10:00
1.5 hours/1500wd
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Presentation in pairs
details on canvas
30% Multiple weeks Presentation of infographic - 5-8 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Journal reflections
details on canvas
30% Multiple weeks 1500 words total
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Journal reflection: Reflect on weekly readings through the submission of journal reflections (total 1500 words). 
  • Group presentation: Using a health or wellbeing provocation from weeks 6-11. Use course readings and 4 relevant peer-reviewed articles. Relate to research, the NQF, relevant standards and theoretical perspectives covered in Weeks 2-5. 
  • In class short answer exam scenarios: Apply course content to scenarios. Studnents assessed on ability to apply material covered in the Unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Unit overview and introduction to health and wellness Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 A regulatory approach to young children’s health and wellness: Sun protection Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 A sociocultural approach to young children’s health and wellness: Indigenous Children Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 05 A risk management approach to young children’s health and wellness: Physical safety and outdoor play Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 06 A post structualist approach to health and well being routines in ECE settings Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Hygiene and infection control Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 08 Immunisation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Pregnancy and breastfeeding Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 10 Nutrition Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 11 Children’s mental health Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Child protection Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Observing practices aimed at supporting children's health and well being Field trip (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library Reading List available on Canvas

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a critical understanding of legal requirements and government policies relevant to the health and well being of young children in early childhood education settings
  • LO2. articulate the importance of health, safety, nutrition and wellness in facilitating learning and development in infants, toddlers and young children
  • LO3. use current research and socio-cultural, risk society and post structuralist theoretical perspectives to contribute to debates pertaining to children's health and well being in informed ways
  • LO4. understand the interplay of personal, familial and societal influences on young children's health and well being, and that what constitutes 'best practice' can be highly contested
  • LO5. provide early learning environments that support children's health and well being
  • LO6. partner with families to promote the health and well being of young children in ways that uphold their rights, needs and interests.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
6. Early childhood professional practice, such as:
6.3. Professional identity and development
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1. Psychology and child development such as:
1.4. Child health, well-being and safety
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
4. Family and community contexts, such as:
4.1. Developing family and community partnerships
4.5. Culture, diversity and inclusion
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
4. Family and community contexts, such as:
6. Early childhood professional practice, such as:
6.3. Professional identity and development
LO5
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1. Psychology and child development such as:
1.4. Child health, well-being and safety
3. Education and curriculum studies, such as:
3.8. Physical and health education
LO6
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
4. Family and community contexts, such as:
4.1. Developing family and community partnerships
4.5. Culture, diversity and inclusion

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessment criteria modified based on student feedback

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.