Libertyville kindergartners learn about careers

Thirty-three kindergartners from the afternoon and morning classes at Rockland School in Libertyville listened to professionals who talked about their jobs during the annual Kindergarten Career Fair Day on Thursday.

Excited students reached out to touch Payton, a therapy dog, brought in by handler Cathy Jackson. This year's group also included children's librarian Melissa Henderson, Libertyville firefighter Jeff Schmidt and human resource director Lynne Wallace.

"This is the 12th year for career day," kindergarten teacher Dale List said. She also mentioned there was a study done that found if a child wasn't exposed to a career by the time they were 12 years old, they wouldn't choose that career.

Henderson, who works at Cook Memorial Public Library in Libertyville, brought out new iPads for children to see and explained that they could be used at the library.

"This is an absolute highlight," Henderson said. "They were really excited about the iPads and the apps are pedagogically correct."

Jackson showed how well trained Payton was and explained how the golden retriever is taken to hospitals and nursing homes to comfort patients.

"I liked how he runs," kindergartner Matthew Moore said. "I want to pet him."