Spring 2024 Animals Study

As a follow-on from our 3- and 4-year-old classes’ study of animals during the month of March, a variety of farm animals, such as chickens, rabbits and goats, will be brought to the preschool for children to interact with. These animal visits will take place in mid-April.

As allergies, asthma, immune challenges, and/or other health concerns may make animal contact inappropriate for some students, Kentucky Department of Regulated Childcare guidelines require parent/guardian permission for student contact with animal(s) in school.

Please be aware that for some students, exposure to a new animal may trigger a previously unknown allergic response or asthma attack. While Cathedral Preschool is allowed to administer medications in cases of documented/diagnosed/physician-authorized diagnoses with prior authorization, staff members are not permitted to administer even over-the-counter medications beyond basic first aid, in accordance with state regulations. This means that if you are concerned about your child’s potential reaction to an allergen, you may want to be close at hand to respond to any emergency situation that may arise. Please also note that the fire department is 2 blocks away and can respond quickly in the case of a 911 call.

The preschool director or designee will ensure that the Kentucky Department of Regulated Childcare Licensing standards are followed. We will have a clean area for showing the animal(s), not allow food or drink in the animal showing area, and appropriately dispose of animal waste. The classroom teacher, assistant, and office assistant will also supervise the entire student-animal contact session. After the session, we will ensure that the children’s hands are thoroughly washed and that their clothing is thoroughly examined to remove all traces of animal hair.