St. Louis, MO – Cornerstone Center for Early Learning is proud to announce that its beloved therapy dog, Winston, has officially achieved CHAMP (Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities) certification. This accomplishment highlights Winston’s dedication and training, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the supportive and nurturing environment that Cornerstone provides for its children, families, and staff.
The path to CHAMP certification is rigorous. Over the course of 12 weeks, Winston and his handler participated in intensive weekly classes spanning over two hours each. This training ensured that Winston met the highest standards of temperament, obedience, and readiness to provide therapeutic support in a variety of settings.
“Cornerstone launched our Early Intervention Program at the start of 2024. This program incorporates Therapy, Family Engagement, and Social/Emotional Screenings to address social and emotional dysregulation,” said Carmin Pruitt, Cornerstone’s Board President. “Our Early Intervention Program provides young children who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing trauma with evidence-based therapeutic interventions so that they can reach their full potential. We are thrilled to add a CHAMP-certified therapy dog to this list of interventions.”
The CHAMP certification equips Cornerstone to deepen its integration of animal-assisted therapy into daily activities, helping children develop social-emotional skills, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of connection.
About Cornerstone Center for Early Learning
Cornerstone Center for Early Learning is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and support services for children and families in the St. Louis area. Our mission is to nurture confident young minds and support all families.
About CHAMP Assistance Dogs
CHAMP Assistance Dogs is a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, MO. CHAMP utilizes the love and healing power of dogs to improve the lives of people in our community.