-Early Childhood Education Program-
Learn About Therapy Dogs and Disabilities
Number of children visited: 307
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Number of children visited: 307 〰️
Therapy Dog Story
Time and Author Visit
At your preschool, school, or group event
Children will enjoy a reading of Try Again, Tilly! followed by small-group interactions with Tilly, a registered therapy dog who is blind. Through storytelling and guided engagement, children will learn
What a therapy dog is and how they help others
How to safely and respectfully interact with a dog
How we use the five senses to explore the world
That making mistakes is part of learning
To build empathy and kindness toward others
To appreciate differences and abilities
The program emphasizes kindness, empathy, confidence, and understanding differences while helping children explore the five senses in a meaningful, hands-on way. This experience supports social-emotional development and builds early literacy skills in a warm, engaging environment.
Facilitator:
Laura Poleshuck, PhD, author of Try Again, Tilly!
Thank you for having us!
Pittsford United Nursery School (PUNS); Doodle Bugs! Brighton; Keshet Preschool; Montessori School of Rochester; Perinton Nursery School (PNS); Small Wonders Preschool; Summerville Nursery School; JCC Wolk Children’s Center; Pittsford Nursery School; Christ Clarion Community Preschool; STARS Preschool Webster; Time to Grow Preschool
Learning Objectives
Based on New York State Early Learning Standards
Social and Emotional Learning
Demonstrates empathy and care for others, including animals
Develops confidence by understanding that mistakes are part of learning
Practices self-regulation and gentle, respectful behavior
Recognizes and respects differences in abilities and experiences
Demonstrates emerging understanding of disability and inclusion
Approaches to Learning
Demonstrates curiosity and active engagement during story time
Develops persistence and a willingness to try again after challenges
Participates in guided discussion, observation, and interaction
Communication, Language and Literacy
Listens attentively to a read-aloud and follows story structure
Engages with story elements (characters, problem, solution)
Expands vocabulary related to emotions, senses, and animals
Asks questions about the characters, dogs, and disability
Cognition and Knowledge of the World
Uses the five senses to explore and describe experiences
Demonstrates understanding of cause and effect (choices and outcomes)
Identifies similarities and differences among individuals
Physical Development and Health
Demonstrates safe and appropriate behavior when interacting with a dog
Practices body awareness and gentle touch
Follows basic safety and hygiene routines
This program reflects the New York State Early Learning Standards by providing developmentally appropriate, relationship-based, and experiential learning opportunities that support whole-child development across domains.
Teacher Feedback
I liked “the interactive nature, the kids loved visiting with Tilly. And the message that it's ok to make mistakes”
“It was engaging, at the kids level, and we loved the book and postcards! Laura (and Tilly!) were very patient and calm and this rubbed off on the children.”
I liked “each step- the prep materials, the visit, the book- all thoughtfully designed”
“I wish Tilly could visit us everyday. She had a profound effect on all the kids and teachers :) This is a very stressful job and it helped relieve some of that stress.”
“The staff and students loved the event. Small groups worked well. Students enjoyed the book and having time to talk/visit with Tilly.”
“Tilly was so sweet and calm with our kiddos. They all just loved her”
I liked “everything! It was wonderful to have such an interactive experience for the children. Laura and Tilly are both so sweet and friendly. They brought smiles to the faces of all in attendance.”
“The children absolutely loved it! They could not stop talking about it. At dismissal they ran to their grown ups shouting about Tilly.”
“I thought it was so developmentally appropriate for the age, and I felt that there were so many positive messages that came out of it.”
“They could not stop talking about it! They had the best time and absolutely loved Tilly”
“What a wonderful experience for the kids. A great lesson in diversity and kindness”
“The social story that you sent that we showed the students prior to your arrival was excellent. It was very age appropriate and the children enjoyed it.”
“There is so much value to children being around animals, and a dog like Tilly who cannot see brought even more meaning to the program. The lessons taught were incredible, and the whole morning was incredibly meaningful and valuable.”