The Calais School is one of the only private special education schools to offer an in-house Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program. So, why would animal assisted therapy be necessary in a school? Well, research studies have shown that individuals display noticeable improvement in mood with the involvement of dogs during therapy. Calais’ AAT program was developed specifically for students with special needs and our facility dogs are extremely effective in dealing with clinical and emotional situations at school. The AAT dogs are available to students when they feel anxious, lonely, or depressed.

Here are ten facts you may not know about the Animal Assisted Therapy program offered at The Calais School:

  • Our AAT pup squad receives extensive training that involves between 1,000 to 1,500 hours with their handlers
  • Calais’s facility dogs are full-time staff members that work 7 hours a day, 5 days per week
  • AAT is integrated into several of our special service offerings
  • The calming presence of the dogs helps students cope with school phobia
  • Student interaction with our facility dogs promotes self-awareness and perspective
  • The AAT pup squad provides a sense of safety, security, and unconditional love that helps facilitate student coping skills
  • The unconditional friendship students get from our well trained pups contributes to student success academically, behaviorally, and in reaching therapeutic goals.
  • Our students know that they can open up to the dogs without fear of judgement which helps mitigate anxiety and stress
  • When integrated into reading and occupational therapies, AAT enhances student engagement and confidence
  • Our facility dog handlers are also certified special education teachers by the NJ Department of Education

The Calais School’s AAT team plays a very unique and important role in delivering highly effective behavioral and therapeutic intervention techniques. To learn more about our AAT program click here.