14.1: Guiding Principles in Supporting Children’s Health, Safety, and Nutrition
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An integrated and comprehensive approach is most effective when preschool children are taught about health. Health education does not stand alone in the preschool curriculum. It is integrated with the other domains. Health is comprehensive. Health education involves ideas directly relevant to the child, such as “How do I grow?” Preschool teachers work with children who are naturally curious and eager to learn about their bodies and how each part works. A developmentally appropriate curriculum promotes overall health (e.g., wellness, safety, oral health, nutrition) and integrates topic areas. For example, a discussion about safety rules might include nutrition and sanitation.
Teachers address ideas and concepts that children can grasp at their developmental level and then progressively build on what children already know and understand. This approach applies to all children, including children with various abilities, disabilities, or other special needs (such as delays in language, cognition, or physical ability).
[1] Image by the California Department of Education is used with permission
[2] The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 2 by the California Department of Education is used with permission