Establishes pilot program in DOE to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.
To partake in the pilot program, school districts must apply by providing essential information, including the number of elementary schools and student enrollment figures. The aim is to include a diversified sample of school districts—two from each of New Jersey's regions (southern, central, and northern)—representing various community types like urban, suburban, and rural backgrounds. The program is structured to offer guidance regarding the potential activities involving therapy dogs and to set standards for their training and health evaluations, thus ensuring a uniform approach across participating schools.
Assembly Bill A2290 aims to establish a three-year pilot program within the Department of Education focused on integrating therapy dogs into public elementary school wellness programs. The initiative is grounded in research suggesting that therapy dogs can bolster student attendance, enhance confidence, and improve motivation, particularly in efforts to elevate their reading and writing skills. The bill tasks the Commissioner of Education with overseeing the program, which is designed to assess the associated academic and health benefits from the incorporation of therapy dogs in educational settings.
While proponents advocate for the positive impact therapy dogs may have on student mental health and educational outcomes, there might be concerns surrounding implementation logistics, including the training of therapy dogs, their handlers, and the associated costs and safety measures necessary for their presence in schools. Furthermore, the evaluation of the program's effectiveness is critical; a report is mandated to be submitted by the commissioner at the end of the pilot to gauge its success in improving both academic performance and overall health outcomes for the students involved.