Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – In the wake of recent tragic events, the Warren County School District has discussed the use of therapy and facility dogs in its schools.
The dogs are also seen as a potential asset in the district’s special education success, which was brought up by Dr. Patricia Mead at Monday’s WCSD curriculum, instruction and technology committee meeting.
“If you recall, we had briefly talked about therapy dogs before COVID,” Mead said. “In response to recent events, the district organized postvention services which included community providers and collaboration with two therapy dog organizations. That provided the district with a chance to directly observe the positive influence they can have in a school climate.”
A recent survey conducted by the district shows that a majority (73 percent) would be in favor of having therapy and facility dogs.
“The therapy dogs presence provides, administrators, students and teachers with a positive effect,” Mead said. “Empirical research shows there is a direct influence on all the members of the school community.”
She went on to explain that the goal would be to have therapy dogs in the spring and a facility dog for the 2022-23 school year.
“Therapy and facility dogs have similar roles,” Mead explained. “A facility dog is more of a worker in an assigned setting. A facility dog is like a therapy dog, but unlike a therapy dog, a facility dog works full-time at the facility under the care and supervision of a staff member.”
In this scenario, New Hope Assistance Dogs would bring therapy dogs into school, with the mutually beneficial program not costing either side money. A facility dog would be purchased by the district.
“The dogs would have access to special education and regular programming,” Mead said.
“I think we’re okay moving forward and I look forward to samples,” said Committee Chair Joe Colosimo.
The cost for the facility dog is yet to be determined, but Superintendent Amy Stewart said: “We’ve had in-depth conversations about the opportunity.”
Mead said she would provide further details to the board in the future.
