School Programs
Important Information for Schools
Please read all of the important information on this page before booking your school or library program. There are a number of specific forms required to complete when you book a program under the Forms tab.
Required Documents for Program Engagement
When running our programs, schools are required to complete several forms to ensure a smooth and effective experience for all participants. These include pre-evaluation forms, which help us tailor the program to meet the specific needs of your students. Additionally, progress reports are to be filled out regularly by our mentors and shared with each school to track student development and engagement throughout the program. At the conclusion of the program, post-evaluation forms are necessary to assess the overall impact and success.
Furthermore, obtaining permission for photographs and consent to participate is essential to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and respect for student privacy.
Completing these forms with accuracy and timeliness allows us to provide the best support and make any necessary adjustments to enhance the program’s effectiveness. Your cooperation in this process is greatly appreciated and contributes significantly to the positive outcomes for your students.
Evaluations for Primary and Secondary Schools
Pre-evaluation forms will be accessible on this page during the week 1 of each term and available here until week 3 of the term. They should be completed during the initial session with the mentor present.
Post-evaluation forms will be accessible from week 7 of each term. They should be completed during the session with the mentor present.
Additional Forms
Parent Support
Compliance
Supervision from the school is necessary
Legal supervision is a top priority. A school representative must be present for each session without exception. We have found that continuity with familiar staff enhances the program’s effectiveness for adults and students. We collaborate closely with schools to maintain a secure and enriching environment, adhering to stringent safety and well-being standards. The care and security of your students are our highest priorities.
Working With Children’s Checks
All staff hold a WWCC and can provide evidence when required.
Canine Comprehension ensures that its staff entering School premises:
(i) have undertaken a satisfactory working with children check; and
(ii) have met any additional relevant legal requirements and policies of the School Council and/or School about the suitability of mentors to work with school children or within the precinct of the School.
Canine Comprehension acknowledges and agrees that Schools are committed to creating child-safe environments and protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, managing the risk of child abuse, providing support to a child at risk of child abuse and responding to incidents or allegations of child abuse in accordance with their legal obligations, including Child Safety Laws.
Canine Comprehension acknowledges that the School Council and School Staff must comply with Child Safety Laws, the Ministerial Order and School Council Child Safety Policies.
Safety Statements
Canine Comprehension recognises that their service delivery is bound by the following policies deemed relevant by the Principal / Director of the school to the delivery of the Services, on the basis that the Principal / Director provides these documents in written form at least 2 weeks before services commence (where necessary) an orientation and explanation is provided to the Supplier of what is expected to conform to these policies:
(i) Student Support Group Guidelines;
(ii) Primary Welfare Officer Initiative Guidelines;
(iii) Schoolcare Program Guidelines;
(iv) Medical Intervention Support Guidelines;
(v) The Victorian Prevention and Health Promotion Achievement Program (Primary schools);
(vi) Promoting Healthy Minds for Learning and Living (Victorian Mental Health Reform Strategy);
(vii) Protecting the safety and well-being of children and young people (protocol);
(viii) A step-by-step guide to making a report to Child Protection or Child FIRST;
(ix) Guidelines for the management of student services files;
(x) any of the School Council’s rules, regulations, protocols, procedures, by-laws and any other relevant information of which the Canine Comprehension has been notified.
Dogs in Schools – how can we manage it safely?
Canine Comprehension has worked in hundreds of primary and secondary schools throughout Victoria, tutoring students by helping them make more positive connections in their lives. We achieve this with the partnership of a well-trained, friendly therapy dog and a professional, experienced tutor.
The Business Council of Australia has led the development of the Australian supplier payment code. Canine Comprehension is a signatory of this code.
School Mental Health Menu to fund our programs
DET Funding Details are below, or go to the DET website.
Tier 1: Positive Mental Health Promotion
Tier 2: Early Intervention Cohort Specific Support
Type of Intervention: Animal wellbeing programs
Stength of evidence: Level 3: Foundational and emerging evidence for program.
Geographic Availability: State-wide, rural/regional
Program Provider: Canine Comprehension
Intended Outcomes
Target Audience:
Delivery Mode:
Implementation considerations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about how our programs run, the booking process or anything else? Check out our FAQs page for answers.
Important Dates
Check out the important dates relating to school programs.
Ready to Book?
Once you have chosen the right program for you, you can book online.
Please read our important information for schools, our FAQs and our bookings, cancellation & pricing policy before booking a school or library program.