MCP Middle and High School- a private school in Scotts Valley geared towards students who learn differently--has hired an unconventional staff member-Lexi, a 2-1/2 year old yellow lab therapy/facilities dog in training. Lexi began her training with MCP students at the end of the last school year, and she will resume her post in September when the students return.

“We are so excited to have Lexi as part of the MCP team,” said Jay Dunlap, MCP’s executive director. “Many of our students struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and other challenges and Lexi has already proven to be an incredibly calming presence. We know she will continue to be a tremendous friend and support to all of our students.”

Approximately 10 percent of public school students in the state of California receive services for learning disabilities ranging from autism to speech and language delays to anxiety and dyslexia, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office. Common interventions include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and individual tutoring.

While individual students with disabilities have long been adopting service dogs and bringing them to school-- it is much less common to have a school-based therapy/facilities dog whose role is to assist all the students.

In contrast to more traditional therapies, service dogs provide a calming presence and unconditional acceptance. Researchers Burrows and Adams (2005) and Burrows, Adams, and Millman (2008) reported service dogs resulted in decreased anxiety and a calmer demeanor.

“Lexi is more than a dog, she is a member of our staff. Her job is to help students to lower anxiety and to center emotionally. We are truly excited to include a different kind of staff member to a school that teaches a different type of student,” said Dunlap.

MCP parents and students are thrilled to have Lexi on board. “My son loves animals. In any new setting, he immediately finds the resident animal and uses it as a way to connect with the people in the new environment. Lexi will be a great lunchtime companion and overall friend to my son and all the students at MCP,” said parent Kimberly Cakebread.

Find out more about MCP Middle and High School at www.exploremcp.org