Abstract

This article emphasizes the role of hygiene habit education in preschool health education and the need to develop relevant competencies among Early Childhood Education students. Drawing on the WASH approach (water–sanitation–hygiene), the study argues that behavior education must be accompanied by appropriate classroom conditions that enable practical implementation. Students’ competency in hygiene education includes foundational knowledge; activity design; organizing and guiding children’s practice; assessment and feedback; and collaboration with families. Competency development is implemented through the course “Child Hygiene and Nutrition” following a structured sequence of tasks: acquiring core knowledge, practicing instructional design, conducting micro-teaching, refining instructional products, and engaging in reflective practice. Assessment is based on evidence derived from instructional products, situational tasks, presentations, and reflective essays. The article proposes several measures, including standardizing behavioral objectives based on a “hygiene behavior chain,” applying case-based teaching aligned with the WASH framework, implementing micro-teaching, and organizing communication projects in coordination with parents.

Keywords: Early Childhood Education, hygiene habit education, preschool children, professional competency, students, WASH approach.