3.1 Lesson Outcomes
After completing this lesson, learners will be able to:
- Monitor children’s health and well-being appropriately.
- Conduct simple health checks for children.
- Recognise signs and symptoms of common illnesses and impairments.
- Identify signs of both minor and serious illness.
- Interpret growth charts in the Road to Health Booklet.
- Weigh, measure, record, and monitor children’s growth correctly.
- Report health concerns according to ECD policies and procedures.
- Promote healthy practices and disease prevention in ECD settings.
3.2 Overview
This practical lesson introduces learners to promoting and supporting the health and well-being of children within Early Childhood Development settings. Learners will apply health monitoring practices, conduct basic health checks, recognise symptoms of illness, and support healthy development through growth monitoring and responsive care practices.
The lesson focuses on child health observation, illness identification, hygiene, growth monitoring, health reporting procedures, and communication with families and support structures. Learners will also participate in practical health checks, growth chart activities, incident response activities, and workplace-based scenarios related to promoting children’s health and safety.
In addition, learners will apply practical strategies for:
- recognising signs of illness,
- supporting children’s well-being,
- maintaining hygienic practices,
- monitoring growth,
- and responding appropriately to health concerns in ECD environments.
This lesson prepares learners to confidently support children’s health, monitor developmental well-being, and respond appropriately to health-related concerns within ECD settings.
3.3 Lesson Content
AK0301: Holistic Approaches to Child Health
Holistic child health focuses on:
- physical well-being,
- emotional well-being,
- social well-being,
- mental health,
- and developmental health.
Healthy children are more likely to:
- learn effectively,
- participate confidently,
- and develop positively.
Practitioners should support:
- healthy routines,
- hygiene,
- nutrition,
- emotional security,
- and safe environments.
AK0302: Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases spread from one person to another.
Examples include:
- flu,
- measles,
- chickenpox,
- tuberculosis,
- diarrhoea,
- and COVID-19.
Practitioners should:
- monitor symptoms,
- encourage hygiene,
- isolate sick children where necessary,
- and inform parents appropriately.
Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases are not spread between people.
Examples include:
- asthma,
- diabetes,
- epilepsy,
- and allergies.
Practitioners should:
- understand children’s medical needs,
- follow treatment procedures,
- and respond appropriately during emergencies.
Recognising Signs of Illness
Minor illness symptoms may include:
- runny nose,
- mild cough,
- low fever,
- and tiredness.
Serious illness symptoms may include:
- high fever,
- vomiting,
- difficulty breathing,
- dehydration,
- and unusual behaviour.
Practitioners should report serious symptoms immediately.
AK0303: Basic Knowledge of Most Common Impairments and Disabilities
Children may experience:
- hearing impairments,
- visual impairments,
- mobility difficulties,
- developmental delays,
- and learning barriers.
Practitioners should:
- support inclusion,
- adapt activities,
- provide assistance where necessary,
- and communicate respectfully with families.
Inclusive support promotes:
- participation,
- confidence,
- and development.
3.4 Practical Activities
PA0301: Monitor Children’s Health and Well-Being
Learners must:
- observe children daily,
- monitor health and emotional well-being,
- and identify signs of illness or distress.
Observation should include:
- appetite,
- energy levels,
- behaviour,
- sleep patterns,
- and hygiene.
PA0302: Conduct a Simple Health Check
Learners should:
- check for fever,
- coughing,
- rashes,
- injuries,
- and visible signs of illness.
Health checks should:
- follow centre procedures,
- remain respectful,
- and maintain confidentiality.
PA0303: Recognise Signs and Symptoms of Illnesses and Impairments
Learners should:
- identify common symptoms,
- recognise serious health concerns,
- and report concerns appropriately.
Practitioners should:
- communicate with families,
- involve supervisors,
- and refer children for medical support where necessary.
PA0304: Weigh, Measure, Record and Interpret Children’s Growth
Learners should:
- measure children’s height and weight,
- record measurements accurately,
- and compare growth using Road to Health charts.
Growth monitoring helps identify:
- undernutrition,
- illness,
- developmental concerns,
- and growth patterns.
3.5 Workplace Scenarios and Practical Tasks
Scenario: Supporting Children’s Health and Well-Being
Learners must:
- conduct daily health observations,
- identify signs of illness,
- respond appropriately to injuries,
- and promote hygiene and healthy routines.
The scenario focuses on:
- illness recognition,
- hygiene practices,
- growth monitoring,
- and responsive care.
Health Check Activity
Learners should:
- conduct simple health screenings,
- monitor symptoms,
- and complete health records appropriately.
Growth Monitoring Activity
Learners should:
- measure height and weight,
- interpret growth charts,
- and monitor developmental progress.
Reflection Activity
Learners should reflect on:
- health monitoring practices,
- responses to illness,
- communication with families,
- and areas for improvement.
3.6 Key Notes / Summary
- Holistic health includes physical, emotional, social, and developmental well-being.
- Practitioners should monitor children’s health regularly.
- Health checks help identify minor and serious illnesses early.
- Communicable diseases can spread between children and require preventative measures.
- Non-communicable diseases require ongoing support and monitoring.
- Growth charts help monitor children’s development and nutritional status.
- Practitioners should report health concerns according to centre procedures.
- Inclusive support helps children with impairments and disabilities participate fully.