Therapy dogs bring calm to the classroom

Her innovative approach is helping Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) students navigate challenging subjects such as child protection and trauma-informed care.

Recognising that sensitive topics can be confronting and cause anxiety and stress in students that affect their learning, she introduced Cavoodle therapy dogs, Bella and Koda.

The course gives students the foundation knowledge and core skills needed to succeed as an educator in the early childhood education and care sector.

Students learn how to build relationships with children and families, to care for children’s individual needs, including child protection and advocating for the child's rights, and to foster development by planning, evaluating and implementing programs within a legal and ethical framework.   

Taught by highly experienced industry professionals who provide one-on-one guidance, students learn the foundations they need to enter the Early Childhood sector.

An essential part of student training is learning how to approach sensitive topics like working with diverse families and how to support and protect children and young people at risk of harm.

"The presence of Bella and Koda has made a significant difference. Having them in class has reduced stress levels, provided comfort, and even helped students recharge during breaks after discussing delicate subjects," Sharon explained.

The therapy dogs are incredibly responsive to students' emotions, moving around the classroom during group work, offering quiet support and helping students focus.

Sharon noted that students felt more relaxed, which allowed them to absorb and retain information more effectively.

“The dogs helped create a calm and supportive learning environment that encouraged students to engage more openly and comfortably with the content,” said Sharon.

“One standout example was a student named Jana. During her previous study, she formed a strong bond with the dogs, providing her with the comfort and encouragement she needed to continue her studies.”

Navigating the introductions of animal-assisted therapies and activities, Sharon surveyed past students about the benefits of therapy dogs in the classroom, and the results were overwhelmingly positive.

Students reported feeling more engaged, supported, and focused, thanks to Bella and Koda's presence.

In addition to their classroom duties, Bella and Koda enjoy socialising with staff and students during campus breaks and visiting the Bracken Ridge and South Bank campuses.

They also visited Adult Migrant English Program classrooms to help students practice their English skills through relaxed conversations and interactions with Bella and Koda.

Bella and Koda will play a role in Harmony Day celebrations at Redcliffe this year and will continue supporting the event in future.

“I’ve always been an out-of-the-box thinker, looking for unique and different ways to support my students.”

"Bella and Koda are invaluable support to all members of the TAFE QLD teaching and learning community, and they are great for everyone's mental health,” concluded Sharon.

*Bella and Koda are second year certified through Therapy Dogs Australia; they are a level 2 assessed community Team (Animal Assisted Activities).