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How Animals Benefit Early Childhood Development

How Animals Benefit Early Childhood Development
By Parent Marketing Group|

At The Academy, a learning center for early childhood development, we encourage hands-on learning. Learning and caring for animals can be a valuable hands-on lesson for children. By caring for animals, children can develop many cognitive and emotional skills. We are one of the leading preschools in middle Tennessee with five preschools in Franklin, TN at the time of this blog post.

early childhood development preschools in Franklin TNGrowing Up With a Pet

Owning a pet is often the thing children remember most from their childhood. But in addition to memories, pets help children with their emotional well-being both as children and adults. For example:

  • If a child loses a pet, he will understand death better and be able to cope if a friend or relative dies.
  • Confiding in their pets when they are feeling blue helps children to express their emotions and process them.
  • By taking care of the needs of pets, such as walking and feeding them, children learn to think about someone besides themselves. They also learn responsibility.
  • Playing with a pet can relieve the stress and anxiety a child may feel from home situations or school.

Learning about Animals during Early Childhood Development

If you are unable to have a pet in your home, children can learn to respect animals in other ways:

  • Go to a local zoo. Let the children watch zookeepers caring for animals, In many zoos there are petting areas with bunnies and goats.
  • Look in your own backyard. Children can watch for birds, deer, and squirrels in their natural habitat.
  • Plan a bug hunt. They can keep a record of the many different bugs they see in their own backyards.
  • Play with a friend or neighbor’s pet. This helps them understand how to handle them gently and teaches kindness.

The Academy Provides Opportunities to Learn about Animals

At The Academy our children have many opportunities to learn about animals—in stories, songs, and hands-on projects involving animals. Our goal is to give children the highest quality preschool education in a fun and safe environment. Our award-winning curriculum guarantees it. Contact us for more information.

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Helpful Answers for Families Choosing The Academy

These FAQs share clear details on enrollment, daily routines, learning programs, safety, and what to expect once your child begins at The Academy.

What ages do you accept?

The Academy offers early learning programs designed for children from infancy through Pre-K. Each classroom is built around age-appropriate routines, developmental milestones, and learning goals that support growth at every stage. Children receive the structure they need to feel secure while still having the freedom to explore and learn through play, hands-on activities, and teacher-guided instruction.

We use the Frog Street curriculum to provide consistent learning across classrooms and age groups. This curriculum supports early literacy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional skills through structured themes and purposeful activities. Our teachers follow curriculum-based lesson plans while also adapting the day to each classroom’s pace, helping children stay engaged and supported as they make meaningful progress.

Yes. Enrichment programs are included in tuition and offered throughout the week. These sessions add variety and excitement to a child’s routine by introducing creative activities, movement, cultural exploration, and age-appropriate science experiences. Enrichment helps children build confidence, discover new interests, and stay motivated by adding new learning experiences beyond the core classroom schedule.

Strong parent communication is a key part of a successful childcare experience. Families receive updates through our communication system, which may include daily reports, photos, and important notes about meals, naps, or classroom moments. Our team aims to keep families informed, reduce surprises, and create consistent support between home and school throughout the year.

Safety is a top priority at every Academy location. Our centers follow structured protocols for drop-off and pickup, classroom supervision, and daily accountability. Staff are trained to maintain safe routines and consistent classroom expectations while supporting children in a calm environment. During a tour, families can learn more about entry procedures, classroom organization, and how we prioritize safety every day.

The easiest way to schedule a tour is by submitting the tour request form on our website. Once we receive your information, a team member will follow up to confirm availability, answer initial questions, and help you choose the best program for your child’s age. Tours are a great time to explore classrooms, learn about daily routines, and better understand the Academy experience.

Before your child starts, our team will share a simple list of items based on your child’s classroom and age group. Most families bring labeled supplies such as extra clothing, diapers or pull-ups if needed, wipes, and any approved comfort items. Teachers will also guide you through routines for drop-off, communication updates, and what to expect during your child’s first few days.

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