Program Delivery Outline (5 or 10-Week Program)

Initial Site Meeting

Before the program begins, a registered Allied Health professional meets with the preschool or childcare service to ensure safe and effective delivery. This includes:

• Site-specific risk assessment
• Review of relevant policies and procedures
• Identification of suitable session spaces
• Consideration of allergies, fears of dogs, cultural factors, and safety requirements

Children are identified in collaboration with educators based on their social, emotional, communication, or developmental needs.

Weekly Program Delivery

Sessions are delivered onsite by a registered Allied Health professional and certified Therapy Dog. Activities are tailored to the group's needs and support:

• Social and emotional development
• Communication and confidence
• Turn-taking and cooperation
• Emotional literacy and self-regulation
• Engagement and persistence

Positive interactions with the therapy dog and predictable routines help create a safe, engaging environment that supports learning and wellbeing.

Monitoring and Review

Progress is monitored throughout the program, with activities adjusted as required. Regular collaboration with educators supports the reinforcement of skills within the preschool environment and promotes ongoing participation and development.

Expected outcomes:

• Improved emotional regulation and wellbeing through positive interactions with the therapy dog.
• Enhanced social skills, including sharing, cooperation, and turn-taking.
• Increased communication, confidence, and engagement.
• Improved participation and persistence in learning and social activities.

Paw Pause Animal Assisted Therapy – Program Delivery (5 or 10 Week Program)

Paw Pause Animal Assisted Therapy is delivered onsite within the preschool setting as a structured 5 or 10-week program, with sessions running weekly for 3 hours. Delivery is coordinated between the childcare service and a registered Allied Health professional to ensure safe, consistent, and developmentally appropriate practice.

Initial Site Meeting (Pre-Program)

Prior to commencement, a site meeting is held to ensure readiness for delivery. This includes:

• Site-specific risk assessment (indoor/outdoor environments).
• Review of relevant policies and procedures (animal presence, infection control, behaviour management, emergency response).
• Confirmation of suitable spaces for weekly sessions.
• Identification of children for participation based on developmental, social, and emotional needs.
• Consideration of allergies, fear of dogs, cultural factors, and safety requirements.

A written summary of arrangements is provided before the program begins.

Weekly Delivery

• Sessions run onsite each week for 3 hours.
• Delivered by a registered Allied Health professional with a certified therapy dog.
• Time includes structured activities, transitions, and relationship-building.

Children begin each session with calm arrival routines and greeting of the therapy dog, supporting co-regulation, engagement, and readiness to participate in therapeutic activities within the preschool environment.

Paw Pause Animal Assisted Therapy program is offered as a structured 5-week or 10-week onsite program, with total costs of $3,975 (5 weeks) or $7,950 (10 weeks). These fees include full program delivery by a registered Allied Health professional and certified therapy dog, along with all planning, preparation, and session implementation within the preschool setting. Importantly, travel costs are fully included in the program fee.