Care Cottage
Kentucky River Children's Advocacy Center
The Care Cottage uses the PANTS campaign to help young children learn simple, age-appropriate ways to stay safe and understand that their bodies belong to them. The program approaches an important topic in a way that is positive, engaging, and appropriate for young children, without using frightening stories or graphic information.
Through the PANTS lesson, children learn five simple messages:
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Privates are private.
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Always remember your body belongs to you.
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No means no.
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Talk about secrets that upset you.
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Speak up — someone can help.
Meet Pantosaurus!
Pantosaurus, the friendly dinosaur mascot of the PANTS campaign, helps make these important safety lessons fun and memorable for children. Through an engaging two-minute animated video and interactive activities, children learn the PANTS messages in a way they can understand and remember.
The Care Cottage's Victim Advocate, Victoria Halcomb, leads a 60–90 minute PANTS lesson that includes interactive activities, discussion, and a visit from our very own dancing Pantosaurus! Each child receives a small reminder gift to help reinforce what they learned, and age-appropriate information is sent home with children so parents and caregivers can continue the conversation at home.
Creating Safe Conversations
Talking with children about body safety can sometimes feel uncomfortable or difficult, but these conversations are an important part of helping children recognize unsafe situations and know what to do if something doesn't feel right.
The PANTS program gives children simple language they can understand while encouraging them to know their boundaries, speak up, and identify trusted adults who can help.
At the Care Cottage, we believe that prevention starts with education. By giving children the knowledge and confidence to speak up, and giving adults the tools to support them, we can work together to create safer communities for every child.