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From Our Educators

Pets in Your Child Care Program

Debra Hasbrook, M.Ed.

Debra Hasbrook, M.Ed.
Debra Hasbrook, M.Ed.
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8/29/2014

Many families love having pets in their child’s program and many families have concerns. Before enrolling a family make sure that they know what pets you have and your pet policy. If you run a licensed child care program always check your regulations, with your licenser and the families you care for before bringing a new pet into your program.

Pets can bring a number of rich learning experiences for children: empathy, caring, friendship, responsibility and unconditional love. There may be possible health and safety concerns: allergies, injuries, infections, rabies, diarrhea, cat-scratch disease, ringworm, toxoplasmosis and psittacosis. Apply regular pest treatments for pets who need them. Always have children wash their hands after handling pets, discourage pets from licking children’s faces and keep children’s areas feces free.

Certain pets that may become aggressive or are poisonous are not appropriate for group care; iguanas, turtles, snakes, spiders, and some tropical fish. Hybrid wolf-dogs or wild animals are popular but not appropriate in group care even if they are really nice.

When introducing a pet find out the common characteristics of that animal so you know what to expect. Introduce the pet in a controlled setting, and discuss the care and handling that is appropriate for that pet. Never leave children alone with a pet, this is for the child’s and the pet’s safety. Keep food and water dishes away from the children’s play area as this can cause aggressiveness in some pets. Pets should be removed from cages for children to interact with the pet and little fingers should not poke at pets in the cages. Pets can become frightened or defensive and may bite.

Let the children participate as you care for the pets. The discussion about the appropriate way to handle pets should be a daily conversation. As well as telling children not to approach animals they do not know or without an adult beside them.  The Moose Belongs to Me

Suggested Books 
Click on the photos to enlarge.
Resources: 
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/features/animalsinschools/
  • Child Care Lounge: http://www.childcarelounge.com/articles/classroom-pets.php
  • King County Public Health Model health policies for child care health facilities http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/child/childcare/modelhealth.aspx 

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  • Welcome
    • Lesson Plans
    • About Us
    • Young Infants
    • Mobile Infants
    • Toddler
    • Preschool
    • School Age
  • Child Care Courses
    • Child Care Course
    • Child Care Training
    • Self Study CDA Certificate Online
    • CDA Credential Renewal Certificate
    • FCCPC Renewal
    • HIV AIDS Bloodborne
    • Florida Director Credential Renewal
    • STARS Courses Online
    • 45 Hour Infant Toddler
    • Terms of Use
  • Educator Articles
    • Meet Our Educators >
      • Basic Sign Language A Resource for Educators
    • Guest Articles
  • Themes
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Sensory Fun
    • Dramatic Play
    • Literature
    • Montessori
    • Music and Movement
    • Playdough
  • Blogs
    • Activities through the Alphabet
    • Activities Through The Rainbow
    • Spring Curriculum Blog
    • Summer Curriculum Blog
    • Fall Curriculum Blog
    • Winter Curriculum Blog
    • Playdough Blog
    • Sensory Bottles and Bins 101