# Health Education in the Curriculum of Early Childhood Education in Galicia, Spain: An Analysis of Decree 150/2022

## TL;DR

This study analyzes how health education is integrated into early childhood curricula in Galicia, Spain, under a new law and compares it to other regions and European countries.

## Contribution

The study provides a novel expert consensus analysis of Galicia's Early Childhood Education curriculum regarding health education.

## Key findings

- The curriculum aligns with societal needs for children's health, including mental/emotional and social aspects.
- Comparisons with other regions and European countries were conducted to evaluate the curriculum's approach.
- The success of the curriculum in practice remains uncertain and requires further research.

## Abstract

Introduction: The entry into force of a new education law (LOMLOE) in Spain introduces a regulatory framework that is committed to Health Education (HE) in the school context. Schools are considered strategic settings for acquiring healthy patterns that can last a lifetime, as confirmed by major European organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission (EC). The objective of this study was to conduct an expert consensus analysis of Decree 150/2022, on Early Childhood Education (ECE) curriculum in the region of Galicia (Spain), with regard to aspects related to HE. The analysis focused on issues related to physical, mental/emotional and social health and included comparisons with curricula from other regions of Spain and other European countries. Method: To this end, a panel of four experts (from the fields of nursing and physical education) was assembled to conduct a consensus analysis of the legislative document, using a mixed-method approach that combined the Delphi technique with structured face-to-face consensus meetings. Results: The summary of the final proposal reflects a document aligned with societal needs regarding children’s health while also addressing mental/emotional and social health. Conclusion: The proposal aims to promote the acquisition of healthy lifestyle habits that are sustained over time. However, the success of the document in terms of both content and practical application remains uncertain. Further studies will be needed in the coming years to analyze and provide concrete evidence regarding its outcomes and impact on students.