Animals in Child Care

There is nothing sweeter than to see a child’s face light up when they are in contact with an animal. Child care affords many ways to expose children to the wonders of living creatures. 

Examples of ways that children sometimes come in contact with animals in child care are:

• Having caged pets, such as birds, hamsters, or fish 
• Having a guest presenter bring in animals
• Having chickens or other farm animals on the child care property
• Having children bring their pets in for show and tell
• Visiting a petting zoo or family farm
• Having a resident animal such as a cat or dog

Any one of these can provide children with both entertainment and great educational opportunities. It is very important to keep in mind, however, that animals, as healthy as they may be, carry with them germs that may be harmful, especially to children under the age of 5. Some choices for animal interactions are safer than others. For this reason, child care providers need to be careful when considering an animal experience for the children in their care.  

Something to keep in mind… The Department of Children, Youth and Families has regulations to keep the health of the children a priority. Two things that child care providers who have animals on the premises or allow child-animal interactions must do are:

• Have an animal or pet policy
• Provide written notification to parents/guardians regarding the health risks associated with the animals

To read more about the rules, click on the links below or refer to:

Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning Programs WAC 110-300-0225

Foundational Quality Standards for School-age Programs WAC 110-301-0225

We can help you...

Contact the Child Care Health Outreach team: 

• with questions regarding having pets or animals in your child care or other animal interactions.
• for assistance in writing a pet policy for your pet or writing a visiting pet or animal experience policy. You can find model policies for pets, barnyard animals, or fish on our website at http://www.snohd.org/245/Health-Illness 

Take a no-cost STARS-approved class – Preventing Diseases from Animals in Child Care Settings. This course will be available on our class website beginning March 15, 2023. https://childcare-snohd.talentlms.com/

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can emerge very early in development, sometimes showing up within the first 12 months of life. Other children may be on track to meet developmental milestones up until 18 to 24 months, when they suddenly begin to regress or stop learning new developmentally appropriate skills. Common signs and symptoms of ASD may include difficulty with social interaction and communication, repetitive or restricted behaviors, and delayed communication, motor skills, or cognitive abilities.

This can look like:

• Avoiding or difficulty maintaining eye contact
• Not responding to name
• Difficulty with pretend or imaginative play
• Lining up toys or objects in a specific manner
• Continually repeating words or phrases
• Flapping hands, rocking body, or walking on tip toes
• Difficulty transitioning between activities
• Sensitivity to sensory input (loud noises, lights, tags on clothing, etc.)

The signs of ASD can be identified through early screening and behavioral observation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Program, “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” has developed materials to assist parents and child care providers in monitoring development and recognizing when there is cause for concern. Follow the link for Milestone Trackers, resources for engaging parents, and steps to take if you are concerned about a child’s development. If you have concerns about a child, please refer the family to their pediatrician as it is important to act early. Screening for ASD should occur at 18-, 24-, and 30-month well-child visits, or additionally if a concern has been expressed.

If a child in your care has a diagnosis of ASD, a Special Care Plan should be reviewed and signed by Primary Care Provider, Parent, & Child Care provider. Please see the following links for Special Care Plans:

DCYF Forms | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Microsoft Word - Special Care Plan for Child with Behavioral Problems 11-2-… (snohd.org)