The Chattanooga Zoo is offering a brand new and unique educational program called ZooCare. The ZooCare program aims to provide a safe and fun environment to support local students who are participating in virtual learning for some or all of their 2020-2021 schooling year.
ZooCare will run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday with an option for extended before and after school care for students in grades K-3rd. The ZooCare program will be a resource for parents in need of child care while also ensuring their students are participating in their mandatory engaged learning time, with our zoo educators there to assist their learning. Throughout the day, students will have multiple “brain break” opportunities to participate in activities such as games, animal meet and greets, and more.
“Now, more than ever, the Chattanooga Zoo strives to be an educational resource for our community’s families. Right now, our community has a need for a safe place for parents to send their children to learn while also allowing them to get outside and be kids,” said Chelsea Dale, director of Education. “We are proud to launch the brand new ZooCare program which fills that need. Our Zoo Educators are ready to assist students with their virtual learning while providing exciting zoo experiences and energy-burning games and activities.”
The Chattanooga Zoo’s Education Department has worked closely with the Hamilton County Health Department and Hamilton County Education Department to offer such a program and ensure the safety of staff and students participating. Safety policies for ZooCare include daily health and temperature screenings of students at drop off, encouraging face masks, socially distancing students, limit physical interactions and sharing of equipment, and more.
Due to the current situations and the novelty of ZooCare, registrations are limited. However, officials do expect this to be an ever-changing program and are committed to being flexible to accommodate the needs of our community and students.