ANTI-BIAS MULTICULTURAL CURRICULUM…………………………………………………………….…3 ANIMALS IN THE CLASSROOM

• “I only want to play with Marissa because her favorite color is purple too!”

These and other incidents occur as children interact in a group situation. Our responses to the children can make a difference of how they think about and act towards other people. We talk about people doing things the same way and different ways. We talk about stopping what we are doing when we see someone who is hurt or sad and helping them. We talk about it being OKAY to like different things. We also support the rule that “Everyone Plays”. This means you can play by yourself but as soon as you play with someone else you need to include everyone who would like to play.

We also rely on families to support our efforts in this area. We want you to share your home culture with the children and teachers at the Child Study Center. We want to know about you and your child. Bring in photos, family treasures, favorite recipes, and family stories. Help us support the children’s understanding and comfort of differences and similarities among people.

Animals in the Classroom

During the development of our projects, teachers may choose to explore the children’s interest of animals. Through this exploration the center may choose to include the visit of pets or include an animal in the classroom. Animals can be excellent companions and they meet the emotional needs of children and adults for love and affection. Caring for animals also gives children an opportunity to learn how to be gentle and responsible for others. Contact with animals can be fun and teach children about life, death, and unconditional love. There may be potential health and safety risks associated with the inclusion of animals in the classroom. The following precautions will be adhered to whenever animals are considered for inclusion in the classroom. • Program staff makes sure that any child who is allergic to a type of animal is not exposed to that animal. • Reptiles and other exotic animals are not recommended as classroom pets because of the risk for salmonella infection. Staff will check with a veterinarian or health department when unsure whether a particular pet is appropriate for the classroom. • Classroom pets or visiting animals appear to be in good health and their care needs are met daily. • Pets or visiting animals have documentation from a veterinarian or an animal shelter to show that the animals are fully immunized (if the animal should be so protected). • Teaching staff supervise all interactions between children and animals and instruct children on safe behavior when in close proximity to animals. • Children who are participating in the care of an animal must wash their hands before and after contact to prevent the spread of disease to the animal, to others, and to themselves. • Infants may not participate in the care of animals or their equipment in the center due to the probable oral contact.