CENTRAL COAST MONTESSORI
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w h o l o v e u n c o n d i t i o n a l l y - A . B .
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CentralCoastMontessoriPreschool 2WarramboolRoad WamberalNSW2260Australia
Inspiredbyourschoolsupportdog,MonteandthevaluesofGraceand CourtesytaughtbyMariaMontessori,thispublicationismeanttoberead, enjoyed,andsharedbythechildrenofCentralCoastMontessori GratitudetoTegan’sAustralianCobberdogs,Monte’sbreeder. ISBN30504010050444507
10987654321 2425252728
PrintedinAustralia Firstprinting,November2024
meet Monte
Hi, I am Monte
I love that you look after me. Here are some things I want to share so we can learn together and stay safe.
Please Respect My Body
My head, ears, face and nose can be sensitive. I like when you gently pat my back or under my chin.
I have four legs and I enjoy walking by myself. I do not like being picked up.
Please sit next to me, not on top of me.
I love being affectionate, but hugs and kisses aren’t my favorite. I really enjoy when you smile at me d lk f ly.
Please Respect My Feelings
y Please take your time to learn about my body language and needs.
I like when we do things that I enjoy - learning and playing quietly and gently.
I get nervous and scared when people make loud noises
Use your inside voice and gentle hands instead
Please Respect My Space
I like when you invite me to sit, rest or play with you. Let me decide if I am ready to join you
I like when you approach me slowly and gently. I can get nervous when you put your face to my face
If you see me resting, please do not disturb me
I enjoy eating on my own. If you see me having my food or chewing, please walk away quietly
Please Respect My Belongings
Please be mindful around my bed, bowl, lead and toys. If my things are broken I feel sad.
If you see me with something I shouldn’t have, please call an adult.
Please do not take anything from my mouth. I am still learning to share.
If I take something that belongs to you, ask an adult for help.
PleaseLearnAboutMyBodyLanguage
Relaxed body, soft eyes and floppy ears
Mouth open, l
Tail relaxed and wagging softly. Playful behaviour.
PleaseLearnAboutMyBodyLanguage
Imaybescaredwhenyouseeme:
Lickingmylips,butthereisno foodnearby
Movinginslowmotionand tensingmybody
PantingwhenIamnothot orthirsty
YawningwhenIshouldn’tbetired Refusingfood,butIwas hungryearlier
Changing my behaviour: Cowering
Looking away
Moving away Hiding
HowToGreetMeSafely
Ask an adult if you can interact first.
Approach me slowly.
Stand sideways at a safe distance so I do not feel threatened.
Let me come to you when I am ready.
If I look relaxed and come to you, gently pat me on my back, under my chin or on my side.
Pat me for 3 seconds and then wait. Let me choose: to walk away or to stay with you
TheBenefitsofa SchoolSupportDog
It has been proven that emotional support dogs in schools:
Teach empathy and appropriate interpersonal and social skills
Lowers blood pressure and reduces stress levels
Increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, boosting mood
Improves physical well-being
Decreases anxiety and promotes relaxation
Enhances positive moods and emotional well-being
Reduces social isolation and helps children develop social skills
Builds confidence in young readers
Promotes self-esteem and fosters focused interaction with peers and teachers
Stimulates memory and problem-solving abilities
Helps students express their emotions and build more trusting relationships
Your child learns best by imitating your actions. Teach them to
Question: Is it true that you should offer a dog the back of your hand when meeting them?
Answer: No, that’s not necessary A dog can recognise your scent from a distance, so they don’t need to sniff your hand to greet you Offering the back of your hand can startle a frightened dog, leading them to nip if they feel threatened Instead, approach slowly and stand sideways Maintain a respectful distance from the dog’s 'bubble' and invite them to come closer on their own terms. If the dog appears relaxed and seeks your attention, you can gently pat them on the back, under the chin, or on the side If the dog is hesitant, don’t encourage them to come closer or touch them
Question: Should I encourage my children to say hi to dogs?
Answer: Yes, but only if it’s done correctly It’s important for children to learn to be kind and polite to animals and not to be afraid of them. Teach your child to always ask for your permission before approaching a dog, even if they know it Always seek the owner's consent before petting the dog and wait for their approval. Additionally, observe the dog’s body language; they should appear relaxed and interested in greeting
Children should never attempt to kiss or hug a dog around the neck, as this brings their face too close to the dog’s mouth It's also best to avoid patting a dog on the head, as many dogs find this uncomfortable.
Question: How will you promote safe interaction?
Answer: Monte is under constant, close supervision Children will be educated about her body language, behaviour, and needs, as well as how to interact safely with her. They will learn to approach her appropriately, only gently patting her on the back her preferred spot rather than on the head Monte will receive tasty treats when children are around to create positive associations Interactions will be kept brief, after which Monte will have time to rest in her crate. We will encourage children to use gentle voices and hands,
Question: I am concerned about hygiene, parasites, fleas, and ticks
Answer: We ensure that all staff and children follow effective hand-washing routines at all times Monte receives regular deworming and flea treatments as prescribed by the vet, and she is fully immunised She is taken to a designated toileting area outdoors, which is kept out of children's reach and is cleaned regularly Any accidents are promptly cleaned with appropriate cleaning products. Monte’s bedding and crate are also cleaned frequently, and she receives regular grooming, including baths, nail trims, hair clipping, and ear cleaning
We follow all relevant health and safety guidelines to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for everyone
Question: Is my child allowed to approach the dog when she is sleeping or eating?
Answer: No, children are not allowed to approach Monte when she is sleeping or eating. h d d h d d h ff h h ll l h
Question: I am worried Monte will bite or frighten my child.
Answer: Monte is a well-trained dog, and we take every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of all children. She has her own designated area in the office where she can rest when not in the direct care of one of our trained staff members Monte is always supervised and is never left alone with children
Children are required to follow specific instructions and guidelines when interacting with her, ensuring respectful and safe interactions. They are also educated about dog behaviour and body language to foster positive experiences We assess if any child has individual needs (eg learning difficulties) that might require additional control measures
Monte’s training is overseen by a behavioural veterinary practitioner, Jennifer NesbittHawes, and a qualified dog trainer, Kasia Motte Our staff also undergo regular training to ensure they are knowledgeable in managing dog behaviour and interactions with children.
InformationforAdults
Question: What about people who are allergic to dogs?
Answer: While a small percentage of people are allergic to dogs, it's important to note that dog allergens are present in many public spaces, even in places where no dogs are currently present Interestingly, early exposure to dog allergens, particularly in children under one year of age, may have a protective effect in reducing the risk of allergic sensitization, such as skin reactions and asthma.
We will take the following steps to minimise the risk of allergic reactions:
Low-Shedding Breed: Monte is a Cobberdog, a breed known for not shedding fur, which helps reduce the amount of hair and allergens in the environment
Clean Environment: We will maintain a clean environment through regular vacuuming and mopping
Regular Grooming: Monte will be kept clean through regular washing.
Hygiene Practices: All children will be encouraged to wash their hands after interacting with Monte
Allergy Management: If a child has a known dog allergy, we can prevent direct interaction with Monte if necessary. You may also provide antihistamines for your child which we can administer if needed
Question: What will happen if the dog gets sick?
Answer: If Monte becomes unwell, she will be separated from the children and given time to rest and recover until she is healthy again She will be assessed by a vet, and we will follow the vet’s instructions for her care. We encourage all children to wash their hands thoroughly after any contact with Monte, her toys, or related items To maintain hygiene, children will be asked to avoid letting Monte lick their faces, and direct face-to-face contact will be prevented
We have strict cleanliness measures in place to prevent the spread of infections. High-touch areas like door handles and light switches are sanitised regularly. Additionally, we have emergency arrangements in place to ensure adequate supervision and staff ratios if a staff member needs to take Monte to the vet
Question: Is the preschool dog, Monte, allowed to roam freely around the classroom, pushing over the children and stealing their materials and food?
Answer: No, Monte is well trained and will be supervised at all times She is no longer on a house lead but remains under the watchful eye of her handler. Monte is not permitted on tables or work surfaces, and he will not approach children while they are eating.
Question: Can Monte escape?
Answer: Monte is always supervised, and we ensure that all gates and doors are locked, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times Fencing is regularly inspected to prevent any potential escape routes Monte is also microchipped and wears a collar with identification at all times.
Fun Facts About Monte
Name: Monte Montessori
Birthday: 14th August, 2021
Breed: Australian Cobberdog
Coat: Shiny Blond
Eye Colour: Warm Brown
Favourite Treat: Juicy Blueberries!
Likes: Reading stories, taking cozy naps and sitting with friends
Personality: Monte is loyal, devoted, and oh-so-gentle!
She’s always there to bring a smile to our faces!
Howmany
blueberries
canyoufind?
meet Monte
Help us look after our pet
MeetMonte,ourbelovedemotionalsupportdogat CentralCoastMontessori!
Montehasapassionforblueberries,lovestakingnaps,andenjoysbeing readtobythechildren.Inthisdelightfulbook,you'llnotonlylearnfun factsaboutMonte’sfavouritethingsbutalsohelpfultipsonunderstanding herbodylanguageandwhatmakesherhappy.
Whetheryou’renewtoourcommunityoralong-timefriendofMonte’s, thisbookisamust-readforgettingtoknowourfour-leggedcompanion.
JoinusaswediscoverallthewaysMontebringsjoytoour learningenvironment!
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