2009 Fall Program Registration NOW OPEN!

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has educational and engaging programs for various ages.  Hands-on, creative, and entertaining activities introduce young children to the wonders of the Animal Kingdom!  All programs include up-close animal encounters, stories, crafts and activities. Children and their accompanying adult meet different animals in different programs each week. Class size is limited to the first 12 children to register.  The same class is offered twice each week – Tuesdays & Thursdays.  We understand that busy parents need flexible scheduling.  You may register once a week or once a month or for every day (it will be the same experience each week, but for these age groups repetition helps them learn).  It is entirely up to you. Please Note: All Programs Meet in the Discovery Building Center at Play Park. 

Zoo Tots

Zoo Tots (3 – 5 year olds) and their caregivers meet different animal ambassadors each week in a safe and nurturing environment.  Emphasis is placed on positive and engaging interactions with these animal ambassadors as well as activities, stories and crafts that revolve around a central theme.  Each week’s program builds on knowledge from the previous week, so you and your child will not want to miss a class. 

Fee (includes an accompanying adult):
$10/child Members, $13/child Non-members

Registration Form

Flyer

Registration for all programs will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Complete a separate registration form for each child.  We do not take registrations over the telephone.  Class size is limited to the first 12 children who apply.

Kiddy Paws – Signing Fun with Your Little One!

Kiddy Paws (9 – 35 month olds and a caregiver) is an interactive program that uses signing to facilitate early communication in non-speakers and those just learning to speak.  Each week participants will meet different animal ambassadors and learn different signs to help build a vocabulary.  Two-way communication fosters trust and mutual understanding and deepens the bond between you and your baby. Signing with your baby provides limitless opportunities for exploring and learning about your baby’s new world together! 

Infants taught sign language: 1) can communicate wants and needs to their caregivers, 2) have an earlier ability to expressively communicate with caregivers or siblings, 3) may learn to speak earlier, and 4) could have above-average ability later in life to learn a new language.  Parents who sign with their baby may experience: 1) lower frustration levels because your baby can communicate with you, 2) deeper bonding with your baby because they have greater insight into their baby’s mind, 3) a higher level of trust from your baby because he or she knows that you understand what he or she is trying to tell you, and 4) a more satisfying relationship with your child.

Fee (includes an accompanying adult):
$10/child Members
$13/child Non-members

Registration Form

Flyer

Mail form to:
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Education – Kiddy Paws
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Or, FAX with credit card information to 904-757-2444.

Registration for all programs will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Complete a separate registration form for each child.  We do not take registrations over the telephone.  Class size is limited to the first 12 children who apply.

Policies

Waiting Lists:
Due to the overwhelming popularity of our Zoo Tots Program, we do keep waiting lists when classes fill.  If an opening becomes available, we will contact you by telephone or e-mail if an e-mail address has been provided.  Please make sure the registration form includes daytime, evening and cell phone contact numbers.

Deadline for registration is 5 p.m. on Friday before the week of scheduled classes.  Many of our classes are extremely popular.  When classes are full you will be notified immediately that your registration was not received in time to secure a spot for your child.

Fees:
Members - $10 per child per class (class fee includes one child & one adult) Additional participants are $10 each
Non-members - $13 per child per class (class fee includes one child & one adult) Additional participants are $13 each

Admission is required in order to participate in the program.  Members receive FREE admission whenever they visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Become a Member today!

Payment:
Full payment must accompany your registration form.  We accept checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards.  Checks are made payable to the Jacksonville Zoo.

Mail the registration form to:
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Education Department – Zoo Tots
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32218

Hand Deliver the registration form to the PepsiCo Foundation Education Campus at the south end of the zoo’s main parking lot Monday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm.

FAX the registration form to 904-757-2444 24-hours a day.  Do not forget to complete all the requested credit card information and sign the registration form.  If you have more than one child wanting to attend the same program, please fax all registrations together.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am new to the program.  How do you screen your staff?
All staff educators are screened for excellence in children’s programming.  All have had previous experience with children and have cleared nationwide, state and FBI Level 2 background checks as prescribed by the State of Florida’s Jessica Lunsford Act.

I have younger and/or older children.  May I bring them along?
We have been teaching preschool programs for over seven years.  These programs are designed with their developmental needs in mind.  It is not recommended that older or younger children accompany siblings.  If other children are going to participate in the class, they must be registered and paid for.  If you have a baby, you are welcome to bring him or her along as long as he or she will not be disruptive during the program.  We have received complaints from other parents when infants disrupt the experience for their children and strongly advise that restless and distressed babies not accompany older siblings to the class.

Do I have to pay to enter the Zoo?
If you are not a member, you will have to pay Zoo admission to participate in the class.  Members receive FREE admission every time they visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and discounts on all programs offered through the Education Department.

Where are the classes held?
All preschool programs are held at the Discovery Center in Play Park, the children’s zoo located near the Wildlife Carousel.  Classes begin promptly at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m., so please allow enough time to walk to the Discovery Center from the Zoo’s Main Gate.  In your confirmation materials, you will receive a map showing you the location of the Discovery Center.

Do I have to register for both Tuesday and Thursday?
The same class is offered twice each week – Tuesdays & Thursdays.  We understand that busy parents need flexible scheduling.  You may register for both days (it will be the same experience, but for 9 month olds to 4 year olds repetition helps them learn), one day or only once a month.  Signing requires a commitment in order for you and your child to benefit from the experience.  We strongly encourage you to register for the entire series in order to maximize the benefit of the experience.

Will teaching my child to sign slow speech development?
Research has clearly demonstrated that using sign language does not mean that a child will not learn to talk.  In fact, once your child can say a word that he or she normally would sign you will discover that the sign will be replaced by the word.  Some of the rewards of early sign language users include: 1) larger and more expressive vocabularies, 2) more advanced mental development, 3) a reduction in problematic behaviors like tantrums from frustrations, and 4) improved parent-child relationships.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES:
Cancellations received 10 business days or more prior to your scheduled class will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.  Cancellations made 9 to 5 business days prior to the first day of a class will receive a 75% refund of fees.  Cancellations received less than 5 business days before the event forfeit all fees paid.

The Education Department reserves the right to cancel or combine classes when they do not meet the minimum requirement of 6 students to provide the program.  Exceptions to the cancellation and refund policies will be made on a case by case basis and at the sole discretion of the Director of Education.

Call 757-4463 ext. 122 more information.