Child Care Director Talks About What Children Can Learn From Pets

Children and pets go together like peanut butter and jelly. That's why many child care centers are now including pets as a part of their programs. There are numerous benefits including teaching socialization and teaching responsibility. Of course, there are certain risks, but a prepared child care director can minimize most of these risks. Choosing a pet wisely, providing proper supervision, and teaching children the proper way to interact with animals can ensure everyone's safety.

Social Benefits of Pets

A child care center with pets can expect several social benefits for the children. This is especially true for shy children as pets tend to draw them out and give them someone to talk to. Pets also have a way of teaching children how to be gentle and kinder and this often transfers to their peers. Having a pet around can also teach children to talk quietly and not to make sudden moves. There aren't too many preschool teachers who wouldn't appreciate that!

Other Benefits of Pets

Of course, there are other benefits as well. Pets provide great sensory stimuli and can provide children with a real connection to nature that they might not get at home. Lessons on responsibility can also be incorporated into the day if children can "help" with the care of the animal or in providing it with exercise. This brings up another benefit - exercise. For children who are sedentary, a pet may provide an enjoyable opportunity for physical activity.

Risks of Pets around Children

Unfortunately, pets can also present certain risks to child care centers. First, bites and scratches can be a real problem if children are not taught to handle the animal. Health concerns such as allergies, germs, or other communicable diseases present real problems. Some children may also have fears that may prevent them from interacting with the animal. Finally, be prepared for a few tears if the pet meets an unfortunate end.

Choosing a Pet

If a child care director decides to incorporate a pet into the child care center, the most important step will be in choosing the right pet. Research the kinds of pets that work well with children and then carefully examine the pet's personality. For obvious reasons, it must be friendly to children. Growling and snapping just wouldn't do. Also make sure the animal is healthy. It should have been immunized and be free of disease and parasites such as fleas and worms.

Necessary Precautions

To minimize these risks, a child care director should take certain precautions. First make sure all parents are notified at either the time of enrollment or before introducing a pet. Also, make sure children are closely monitored when they are playing with the pets and make sure to teach the children how to interact with the animal. If the children know how to approach the animal and basics such as staying away from the pet's face and washing their hands, a lot of problems may be prevented.

So with just a few precautions in place, child care centers across the country are embracing the idea of adding pets to their program. It puts a smile on the faces of children and has so many benefits that many feel the benefits far outweigh the risks. These benefits include things such as socialization skills and teaching responsibility. The risks can be minimized with just a few precautions such as choosing the right pet, providing supervision, and teaching children the proper way to act around the animal.

Angela Walker has a passion for children, and her and her staff at Next Generation Children's Center in Reno, NV are dedicated to helping foster your child's early childhood development.

To see what else Angela is writing about visit Angela's Blog.