1 Teach a child to always ask permission from the dog handler if the dog can be pet before even reaching for the dog. (yes they are oh so cute and huggable looking :) )
Always approach petting a dog from its side. Never head on or from behind.
Never leave a dog and child unsupervised.
Let the dog smell the hand of the child, the child should be quiet and relaxed, not bouncing and screaming.
The dog should also be relaxed and in an open space where the dog can leave at will (not trapped in a corner).
Using a small dog treat in an open flat hand can be a great way to introduce them (provided the dog has good treat taking manners).
If the dog is a "jumper" and can't seem to stay "off' the child, teach the child to turn its back to the dog until the dog settles down.
Don't force child and dog to spend time together if they don't want to.
Don't look a dog in the eye, it's a challenge to them.
Don't hug a dog, it's actually very uncomfortable to most of them. Don't pat the dog on the head or grab their head (you wouldn't like that as a human, dogs don't generally like it either).
Do not crowd the dog, if the dog walks away, let the dog leave. It's their way of saying I've had enough social time or I'm overwhelmed.
Teach them that a wagging tail does not mean the dog is happy, it means the dog is excited, not necessarily happy. You have to read to whole body language of the dog (is the mouth open, lips pulled back tight, eyes wide and the tail high and wagging like an exclamation mark? that's actually a warning to back off - not a smiling happy dog) - Always best to ask the handler. If there is no handler around, don't approach the dog.
I would work on this slowly. Have kids and their parents understand the project. Do you like kids? Pets can sense your fear or anxiety towards this project and try to protect you. Try getting people you trust and don't have them on a leash. Keep them roaming around with the kids. But just know they may snag on the kid if the kid plays rough.
Give the dog ear plugs because he is going to need them!