1. The Infant years (Birth to 12 Months Old)
Identify specific health and safety considerations that you will have to consider during the infant years.
How will you address these issues?
GastrointestinalInfections: Diarrhea
“Diarrhea is the most common symptom of gastrointestinal infection. Diarrhea spreads easily among children.”
(Healthy Foundations in Early Childhood Settings page 173). There had been a recent outbreak in Xavier’s daycare. In
order to prevent Xavier form contracting this infection, I must practice efficient hand washing, and toileting routines.
Drowning
“Young children can drown in as little as 5cm of water, which means children must be supervised around water and help
them develop a respect for it. (Healthy Foundations in Early Childhood Settings page 369). I have to be sure that I have
all of my supplies when I am giving Xavier a bath. I know that I cannot leave him unattended.
The Common Cold
“Children in centers get as many as 8 to 10 colds a year. Cold viruses, more than 100 of them, are spread easily through
the air and on contaminated hands and objects.” (Healthy Foundations in Early Childhood Settings page 172). I have
noticed that Xavier has been getting a lot of colds that seem to be never ending. In order to help minimize the spread of
colds, I must wash both mine and Xavier’s hands carefully and often, teach Xavier how to cover his mouth when
coughing and sneezing, and clean his toys on a regular basis especially when he has a cold.
Allergies
“There is no cure for allergies. We try to prevent reactions by eliminating exposure to allergens whenever possible (egg.
Peanuts, shellfish, animals) or at least limiting exposure to allergens (egg smoke, dust, pollen).” (Healthy Foundations in
Early Childhood Settings page 187). I am concerned that if I give Xavier foods which have a high allergy risk, he may have
a reaction. To make sure I am able to feed him these foods, I will consult my doctor to get a professional opinion.
Chicken Pox
“Chicken pox is common in children because the varicella zoster virus spreads easily through the air and by touching the
liquid in the pox.” (Healthy Foundations in Early Childhood Settings page 176) Since there have been a few chicken pox
cases in Xavier’s play group, I am concerned that he may contract chicken pox as well. I will take him to the doctor to
see if he could have the varicella vaccination to prevent chicken pox. “Children who did not get the varicella vaccination
at about 12 months of age can receive it at an older age.” (Healthy Foundations in Early Childhood Settings page 176)

2. The School Age Years (6 to 12 Years Old)
As a parent, what are some of your concerns regarding your child’s health and safety during the School Age years?
Some of the health and safety concerns I have while raising my child include:
Falls
Broken bones
Not getting enough sleep
Speaking to/ taking things from strangers
Drowning

3. Being abducted
Getting enough nutrients from food
Road safety (crossing the street)
Watching too much TV
How to be safe on the computer/ internet
Bullying

4. Reflection Paper (1 page)
Think about how might your child’s development might be different if s/he was raised by people with different socioeconomic,
ethnic or cultural backgrounds. How would the concept of the “whole child” play a role?
(Please avoid stereotypes)
My child’s development might have different if he was raised by parents who focused mainly on one aspect of life rather
than all social determinants. My child may never have had the opportunity to receive all the popular toys or have a
Healthy well balanced meal if he grew up in a home with a limited amount of money. My child wouldn’t have the
chance to join play groups and be enrolled in a child care center if he grew up in a home where there was no support
networks. If the physical environment wasn’t ideal, my child would have developed birth defects or respiratory illness.
If
my child was raised in a same sex home; he may have faced challenges in dealing with society and negative views about
his living situation. My child’s language and beliefs would be different had he been raised by parents of a different
culture. There is a possibility that my child would be more educated, academically and in everyday life if his parents
have education.