IGNOU DECE-2: Child Health and Nutrition – Solved Assignment (July 2025 – January 2026)
Introduction
The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) program by IGNOU equips students to help develop and nurture children during their early stages of life. Of its fundamental courses, DECE-2: Child Health and Nutrition is the most essential, as it highlights health, hygiene, and nutrition as critical factors in developing a child’s physical, emotional, and mental growth.
This blog gives the full solved assignment for IGNOU DECE-2 (July 2025 – January 2026 session). These solutions written in easy, exam-focused language will act as a beneficial guide for students to prepare their own assignments and excel in assessments.
Regarding IGNOU DECE-2: Child Health and Nutrition
- Course Code: DECE-2
- Course Title: Child Health and Nutrition
- Program: Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE)
- Assignment Session: July 2025 – January 2026
- Assignment Type: Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA)
The course deals with: - Fundamental health needs of children.
- Infant and early childhood nutritional needs.
- Immunization and hygiene role.
- Preventive and promotive health care.
- Management of malnutrition and deficiencies among children.
IGNOU DECE-2 Solved Assignment (July 2025 – January 2026)
The following question-wise solved answers have been prepared in a systematic manner.
Question 1: Define Child Health and Explain Its Importance.
Answer:
Child health is the overall physical, mental, and social well-being of children from birth to early childhood. Proper nutrition, disease prevention, immunization, hygiene, and care to their emotions are a part of child health.
Importance:
- Healthy children exhibit improved growth and development.
- Good health decreases risk of infections and death.
- Nutrition enhances brain growth and learning potential.
- Guarantees a solid foundation for adult health.
Question 2: Discuss the Nutritional Needs of Children.
Answer:
Children’s diet needs to be sufficient for their growth energy, immunity, and activity. Main requirements are:
- Proteins – For growth and repair of body tissues (milk, pulses, eggs).
- Carbohydrates – For energy (cereals, rice, wheat).
- Fats – For brain development (nuts, oils).
- Vitamins & Minerals – For immunity and bone structure (fruits, vegetables).
- Water – For hydration and digestion.
Question 3: What Is the Role of Immunization in Child Health?
Answer:
Immunization safeguards children against killer diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, and tuberculosis.
- Provides community protection (herd immunity).
- Lowers child mortality rates.
- Enhances quality of life in the long term.
Child care workers are responsible for monitoring and reminding children for timely vaccination according to the national immunization calendar.
Question 4: Explain Common Health Problems in Children.
Answer:
- Malnutrition – Caloric and protein deficiency.
- Anemia – Iron deficiency caused by weakness.
- Diarrhea – Mostly caused by poor sanitation and contaminated water.
- Respiratory Infections – Common cold, pneumonia.
- Worm Infestations – Causing stunted growth.
Question 5: What Are the Principles of Meal Planning for Children?
Answer:
- Meals need to be balanced with carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Foods should be age-suited and digestible.
- Variety should be present in order to prevent boredom.
- Ensure hygienic preparation and storage.
- Consider local availability and family income.
Question 6: Suggest Strategies to Improve Child Health and Nutrition in India.
Answer:
- Strengthen ICDS and Anganwadi services.
- Regular growth monitoring and health checkups.
- Promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.
- Implement nutrition education for parents.
- Improve sanitation, clean water, and hygiene practices.
Challenges in Child Health and Nutrition
- Widespread malnutrition and underweight children.
- Unawareness about balanced diets.
- Poor sanitation and infection.
- Low healthcare facilities in rural India.
- Poverty and hunger.
Government Schemes for Child Health in India
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme for children in school.
- Poshan Abhiyaan (Nutrition Mission).
- National Immunization Programme.
- Ayushman Bharat Health Mission.
Best Practices for Child Nutrition and Health
- Encourage **breastfeeding and complementary feeding”.
- Serve healthy meals in child care centers.
- Ensure sanitation and hygiene.
- Carry out regular health checkups and deworming programs.
- Educate caregivers and parents on nutrition awareness.
Tips for IGNOU DECE-2 Students
- Utilize simple headings in answers.
- Incorporate examples from community programs such as ICDS.
- Adhere to the word limit indicated in IGNOU guidelines.
- Emphasize nutritional charts and policies wherever applicable.
- Always write in your own words.
Conclusion
The IGNOU DECE-2 assignment Child Health and Nutrition (July 2025 – January 2026) is an integral component of the DECE course. It makes learners realize how adequate health and nutrition are the cornerstones of a child’s development, learning, and long-term health.
This solved assignment is aimed at assisting DECE students in preparing correct, format, and applicable answers that not only assist in academic success but professional knowledge as well to work in early childhood care, Anganwadi centers, preschools, and community health programs.