Whether you want to implement healthier choices for your child or family or pursue a career as a nutritionist, this professional development course is ideal for parents, childcare workers, allied health professionals and anyone with interest in children’s nutrition.
The Certificate of Child Nutrition is an online program that will educate you on nutritional requirements from pre-pregnancy through to the teen years.
In this professional development course, you will learn about the differences between adult and child nutrition, food sensitivities, how to balance macronutrients, and how to encourage children to make positive food choices.
You will also explore issues in child nutrition, including the causes of childhood obesity and guidelines for child weight loss, as well as diet plans for special nutritional needs in children.
On completion of this course, you will have gained the practical knowledge to understand pregnancy and childhood nutritional requirements and the foundation knowledge to pursue a career as a nutritionist.
Course Structure
Unit - Childrens Nutrition
Unit 1 – Introduction to child nutrition
- Scope, nature and history of nutrition
- Effect of culture and family background on nutrition
- Importance of nutrition in early childhood
- Basic nutrients needed in a child’s diet
- Key things to remember about a child’s diet
- Nutrition tips for children
Unit 2 – Nutrition for pre-pregnancy
- Pre-conception diet – maternal weight, maternal nutrient status
- Paternal health and nutrition
- Effect of nutrition of parents at conception
- Making diet changes pre-conception
Unit 3 – Nutrition in pregnancy
- Early pregnancy and morning sickness
- Tips to help with pregnancy nausea
- Nutrition through pregnancy – RDI
- Caloric and fluid intake through pregnancy
- Calorie demands for a pregnant woman
- Foods to avoid while pregnant
- Hypervitaminosis
- Pregnancy complications that relate to nutrition (neural tube defect, morning sickness, constipation, gestational diabetes, hypertension, foetal alcohol syndrome
Unit 4 – Nutrition in infants
- Breastfeeding
- Formula feeding
- Feeding for the first six months
- Starting on solid foods
- Adequate vitamin c and iron intake in first year
- Progressing with solid foods: protein, dairy, finger foods, etc
- Nutrition for toddlers
- Snack packs, small meals, meal alternatives, being creative, etc
- Allergens
- Weaning
Unit 5 – Nutrition in childhood
- Caloric intake
- Mineral intake
- Vitamin intake
- Encouraging good eating habits
- Breakfast
- Morning and afternoon snacks
- Packed lunches
- Eating habits
- Puberty
Unit 6 – Nutritional concerns
- Scope and nature of nutritional health for children
- Healthy snacks and re-hydration
- Underweight
- Malnutrition
- Anaemia or iron deficiency
- Dental care
- Eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating
- Fast food and junk food
Unit 7 – Healthy eating behaviours
- Influencing children’s eating
- Teaching healthy eating to children
- Health snack ideas
- Childhood food sensitivities
- Food intolerance
- Food allergies
- Relevant research
- Food and autism
- Food and child behaviour problems
- Diagnosing sensitivities: skin test, blood test, diet
Unit 8 – Childhood obesity
- Cause of childhood obesity
- What is unhealthy about childhood obesity?
- Guidelines for child weight loss
Unit 9 – Diet plans
- Special nutritional needs
- Childhood diabetes
- Vegetarian and vegan diets
- Normal eating habits for children
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
- Parents
- Caregivers