School Reading Program Assistant Dog Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving educational landscape, the emphasis on School Reading Program Assistant Dogs has never been greater.

Education continues to innovate, and with every advancement, the demand for trained dogs who can support, enhance, and secure our literacy programs grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a School Reading Program Assistant Dog?

Whether you are:

• A potential handler trying to understand the role,
• An educational institution outlining the perfect canine candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the integration of dogs into educational settings,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable School Reading Program Assistant Dog job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or school websites.

Let’s dive right in.

School Reading Program Assistant Dog Duties and Responsibilities

School Reading Program Assistant Dogs provide comfort and encouragement to students during reading activities, promoting a positive learning environment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Participating in reading sessions with students
• Maintaining a calm and patient demeanor to provide a safe and comforting presence for students
• Allowing children to read aloud to them, providing a non-judgmental listener to help build reading confidence
• Displaying appropriate behavior for a school environment
• Being receptive to children’s emotions and reactions
• Cooperating with the handler/owner and school staff for successful implementation of the reading program
• Ensuring regular health checks and grooming to maintain good hygiene
• Receiving ongoing training to keep up with good behavior and skills required for the role

 

School Reading Program Assistant Dog Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a well-trained, patient, and child-friendly dog to assist in our school reading program.

The assistant dog’s role is to create a relaxed and comfortable environment to encourage students, particularly those struggling with reading, to gain confidence and improve their skills.

The ideal candidate should be calm, affectionate, and well-behaved, making the children feel secure and engaged during the reading program.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide comfort and support to students during reading sessions
• Maintain calm and composed behavior around children
• Follow commands and instructions from the handler or teacher
• Interact in a friendly and non-aggressive manner with students
• Display positive behavior to create a conducive learning environment

 

Qualifications

• Completion of a certified therapy dog program
• Previous experience as a therapy or service dog, preferably in an educational environment
• Ability to remain calm and composed in a variety of situations
• Strong obedience skills
• Up-to-date vaccinations and health check-ups

 

Benefits

• Regular health check-ups and vaccinations
• High-quality food and treats
• Regular exercise and playtime
• Affection and positive reinforcement
• Professional grooming

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Reading Program Assistant Dog
• Work Environment: School setting, specifically classrooms and libraries. Accommodations for rest and comfort will be provided.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Reading Program Coordinator or assigned handler.
• Pay Range: Care and upkeep expenses are covered by the school.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity among our staff and students. We do not discriminate on the basis of breed, size, or age.
• Application Instructions: Please provide proof of certification, health records, and a reference from a previous handler or caregiver to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Reading Program Assistant Dog Do?

A School Reading Program Assistant Dog, also known as a therapy dog, plays a unique but significant role in educational settings.

These dogs are trained to provide comfort and non-judgmental support to children as they practice their reading skills.

They are part of a reading program designed to encourage young learners to read more and improve their reading fluency and comprehension.

The School Reading Program Assistant Dog sits quietly and patiently with a child as they read out loud, providing a safe and supportive environment that can help reduce the stress or anxiety some children may feel when reading in front of their peers or adults.

These dogs may also help children who are struggling with other social and emotional issues, as they promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.

While the dog does not teach reading skills itself, the presence and companionship of the dog can make the reading experience more engaging and enjoyable for the students, thus fostering a love for reading.

These dogs typically work under the supervision of a trained handler, often a teacher or a school staff member who is responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of both the dog and the students.

The handler also facilitates the interactions between the dog and the students and integrates the dog’s presence into the school’s reading program, making sure it aligns with the students’ learning objectives.

 

School Reading Program Assistant Dog Qualifications and Skills

A School Reading Program Assistant Dog needs to have certain qualifications and skills to be effective in the role, such as:

• Basic obedience training to ensure it can behave appropriately in a school environment and respond to commands from its handler.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in a busy environment, demonstrating patience and understanding as children read to them.
• Good socialization skills, comfortable around people, especially children of various ages and other animals.
• Comfortable being touched, petted, and cuddled by children, showing a gentle and friendly demeanor at all times.
• High level of tolerance and patience to sit still for extended periods as students read books aloud to them.
• Ability to behave predictably in various situations, providing a safe and stable presence for the students.
• Good health and grooming to ensure they are safe to be around children.
• Therapy dog certification or equivalent to ensure they are trained to handle the physical and emotional needs of children.

 

School Reading Program Assistant Dog Experience Requirements

A School Reading Program Assistant Dog, also known as a therapy dog, generally requires several months to a year of training and experience to be suitable for a school setting.

This training often includes basic obedience classes, socialization experiences, and specific therapy dog training courses.

Candidates for the role should have demonstrated experience in a variety of settings, including noisy or chaotic environments, to ensure they are adaptable and calm under pressure.

Experience in a school or educational setting is particularly valuable, as it gives the dog exposure to the unique dynamics of a classroom.

Additionally, the dog should have experience interacting with children of various ages, as well as with people who have disabilities.

This can be gained through volunteer work, training exercises, or real-life exposure.

For dogs that have been serving for more than 2 years, they may be ready for advanced therapy roles, such as working with children who have severe phobias or anxiety disorders.

Dogs with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for leadership roles, such as mentoring newer therapy dogs.

Finally, it’s essential to remember that the dog’s training and experience must be ongoing.

Regular refresher courses and exposure to new experiences will keep the dog’s skills sharp and ensure they are ready for any situation.

 

School Reading Program Assistant Dog Education and Training Requirements

School Reading Program Assistant Dogs, also known as Therapy Dogs, typically require a different kind of training compared to other job roles.

The core requirement for these dogs is to be certified by a recognized therapy dog organization.

The certification process often includes a basic obedience class, where dogs learn commands such as sit, stay, and come.

Additionally, these dogs are trained in socialization skills to ensure they can interact safely and calmly with a variety of people, especially children.

They must be comfortable being touched by strangers, and should not display aggressive behavior.

To qualify for the therapy dog certification, the dogs must pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test or a similar evaluation.

The test evaluates the dog’s ability to behave properly in social settings and their response to commands.

Once the dog becomes certified as a therapy dog, they can be trained for specific roles such as a School Reading Program Assistant Dog.

In this role, the dog will be trained to sit quietly and patiently while children read to them, creating a non-judgmental and supportive reading environment.

Owners or handlers of therapy dogs used in schools may also need to undergo some level of training, including understanding the specific needs of children, the school environment, and proper handling of their dog in different situations.

Finally, it should be noted that even after certification and initial training, the dog’s education is ongoing.

They should be regularly trained to maintain their behavior and skills, and to adapt to any changes in their work environment.

 

School Reading Program Assistant Dog Salary Expectations

The average salary for a School Reading Program Assistant Dog, also known as a therapy dog, varies depending on the location and the organization for which they work.

Generally, the cost associated with therapy dogs is related to their training, upkeep, and healthcare, rather than a traditional salary.

On average, a therapy dog may cost around $20,000 (USD) throughout its lifetime, with some programs offering stipends or covering expenses to help offset the costs.

This cost includes training, food, vet bills, and other necessary expenses.

Please note that therapy dogs and their handlers often volunteer their time and do not typically receive a traditional salary or hourly wage.

 

School Reading Program Assistant Dog Job Description FAQs

What is the role of a School Reading Program Assistant Dog?

School Reading Program Assistant Dogs are used in schools or libraries to help children develop their reading skills.

These dogs create a comfortable, non-judgemental environment for kids to read aloud, therefore improving their confidence and fluency in reading.

 

What type of breed makes a good School Reading Program Assistant Dog?

There is no specific breed requirement for a School Reading Program Assistant Dog.

What matters more is the dog’s temperament.

The dog should be calm, patient, and friendly.

They should also be well trained to behave appropriately around children and in public spaces.

 

Do School Reading Program Assistant Dogs need to be certified?

Yes, School Reading Program Assistant Dogs should be registered therapy animals.

They need to pass a series of evaluations that test their obedience, temperament, and interaction skills with children.

These evaluations are conducted by organizations like Therapy Dogs International or Pet Partners.

 

What are the benefits of having a School Reading Program Assistant Dog?

The primary benefit is that these dogs provide emotional support to children, which enhances their learning experience.

Reading to a dog can increase a child’s confidence, as dogs are non-judgmental listeners.

This can also improve a child’s reading fluency, comprehension, and love for reading.

 

How should a School Reading Program Assistant Dog be maintained?

Like any other dog, a School Reading Program Assistant Dog needs regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care.

Additionally, the dog should be groomed regularly to maintain a clean and healthy appearance.

The dog should also receive ongoing training to ensure they continue to behave appropriately in the school or library setting.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we pulled back the layers on what it truly means to be a School Reading Program Assistant Dog.

And guess what?

It’s not just about wagging tails.

It’s about shaping the future of education, one book at a time.

With our ready-to-use School Reading Program Assistant Dog job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your application to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every page turned is a part of a larger story.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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