ANIMAL MAGIC Animals have long been embraced by early childhood educators as a valuable resource in supporting and enriching children’s learning and many childcare services have resident pets which provide invaluable animal experiences for children. Chances are you’ve encountered a feathered, finned or fur-like creature at your centre. You might have had the good fortune of bringing Bluebell the budgie home for the weekend, ensuring she stays fed, watered (and in her cage) - the highlight of a little person’s week. More and more early childhood settings are incorporating pets into the learning environment so children can observe, interact and learn to care for an animal which can be a valuable part of a child’s education and care experience. The inclusion of animals in childcare services is directly linked to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) where learning outcomes focus on helping children to connect with and contribute to their world and have a strong sense of wellbeing. There are also ties to the National Quality Standard (NQS) where services are required to show care for the environment and support children to become environmentally responsible which includes 32
helping them understand and appreciate the interdependence between people and animals. There are numerous benefits for children, families, educators and the wider community to include animals in childcare services:
1. Care, empathy and respect Caring for an animal gives a child a sense of pride and achievement and a healthy respect for life. Animals provide opportunities for children to practice care-giving and nurturing, and to carefully explore issues of power and vulnerability. They see directly how their behaviour and actions affect others and they learn to appreciate the needs of others, not just animals. Children learn that living things need more than just food and water for survival and become sensitive to what else an animal might need to stay happy and healthy like a warm bed to sleep in, cuddles or something to play with.
2. Responsible pet ownership Children learn early on that taking care of an animal is a big responsibility because they rely on us to keep them fed and well cared for. They learn how to be a good pet owner through active participation in feeding routines, cleaning their living environment, monitoring
