Our informal education programs at the Dallas Zoo aim to create a safe, flexible, inclusive learning environment that both introduces children to and inspires empathy for animals and nature.
We have a couple different types of early childhood programs in which education degree seeking students would be able to volunteer and gain experience:
1. Stroller Buddies: This is a parent – child (10mos – 2 years) nature exploration program on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:00am – 10:30am. These parent-child pairs will explore themed nature stations (i.e. sand and dirt or mud and messy play stations), learn about an animal visitor, take a zoo tour, sing a song, and read a book.
2. Preschool Safari: This program is for 3-5 year olds on Fridays in the fall and spring semesters. The students will make enrichment for animals, learn about an animal visitor, take a zoo tour, participate in dramatic and nature play, and make a themed craft.
3. Wild about Art: This program is for children ages 5 – 8 years old and combines art with animals. Children will learn about a type of art or artist and use inspiration from a zoo tour to create pieces of art. This program is once a month on Sunday afternoons.
For more information about our early childhood programs, please visit http://www.dallaszoo.com/education/camps-classes/preschool/