[nagdu] Guide Dogs and childcare centers

[Joanne Michelle Stark]

Okay, this is going to be a rather lengthy message, so hang onto your hats ...
Next week, I am starting a volunteer position with a local childcare center. This was probably a bad move on my part, but I let my fear of rejection solely based on disability dictate whether or not I should disclose my disability, and ultimately, I went against it. they do not know I have a service dog, and I have never visited this place before, so I don't know what it's like. I am not going to bring my black labrador retriever for the first day, at least until I've checked with staff to make sure none of the kids have allergies or a fear of dogs, just to be safe. Was this a good idea, or should I call before going in and let them know I'm blind? Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I don't know how they're going to react to me, let alone a dog in harness. I was told Ditra is good around children, and have seen for myself that she does well, but how do I go about explaining to little ones that she's a Guide Dog? I've heard some parents say, "That's a working dog," and the kids get it, but sometimes parents don't always know how to explain her job well to the children. the kids only know, "Don't touch that dog, it's working," but I can tell somehow that they don't quite understand exactly how she helps me. Suggestions for both of these issues are welcome either on here or privately. thank you.