Welcome to the innovative Undergraduate Programme in Supporting Infants and Young Children to be Physically Active! This dynamic program is tailored to empower future educators and caregivers with the essential knowledge and skills to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles among infants and young children. Through a blend of theory, research, and practical application, participants will embark on a transformative journey to enhance the well-being and development of our youngest learners.
The program begins with a foundational exploration of "Child Development and Physical Activity," where participants will gain insights into the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of infants and young children. Understanding the developmental milestones and needs of this age group is essential for designing age-appropriate physical activity programs that support holistic growth and development.
Building upon this foundation, participants will delve into "Creating Active Environments," a module focused on designing and implementing environments that promote physical activity and movement. From indoor play spaces to outdoor playgrounds, participants will learn how to create safe, engaging, and inclusive environments that encourage exploration, movement, and active play.
In the module "Physical Literacy and Fundamental Movement Skills," learners will explore the concept of physical literacy and the importance of developing fundamental movement skills in early childhood. Through practical activities and games, participants will learn how to facilitate the development of fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, and throwing, laying the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity.
The program's interdisciplinary approach is exemplified in the module titled "Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles," where participants will examine the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, and overall health and well-being. From understanding dietary guidelines for infants and young children to promoting healthy eating habits and food choices, participants will gain the knowledge and skills to support the development of healthy lifestyles from an early age.
As the program progresses, participants will engage with "Family and Community Partnerships," a module that explores the importance of collaboration with families, caregivers, and community stakeholders in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Participants will learn strategies for engaging families and building partnerships that support children's physical activity both at home and in the community.
In the module "Assessment and Evaluation of Physical Activity Programs," participants will learn how to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity programs for infants and young children. From setting goals and objectives to selecting appropriate assessment tools and methods, participants will gain practical skills for monitoring progress and making data-informed decisions to enhance program quality and impact.
The program culminates with a capstone project, where participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Guided by experienced faculty mentors, participants will design and implement a physical activity program tailored to the needs and interests of a specific group of infants or young children, demonstrating their readiness to make a meaningful impact in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Join us on this transformative journey as we explore the critical role of supporting infants and young children to be physically active in promoting lifelong health and well-being. Embark on your path to becoming a champion for physical activity and healthy living for our youngest learners today!