Incorporating Animals in Your Program (2 hours)

Incorporating Animals in Your Program

Participants will explore how animals naturally captivate young children and inspire curiosity, empathy, and early scientific thinking. In early learning environments, animals appear in stories, dramatic play, art, and children’s conversations. This course builds on that interest by guiding educators to design experiences that honor children’s developmental needs while maintaining high standards of safety and humane practice. (2 hours)
Enrollment expires 1 year from date of purchase.
This online course is presented in English.

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Course curriculum

1. Pre-Assessment Survey
  FREE PREVIEW
1. Scenario: A Journey into the World of Turtles
  FREE PREVIEW
2. The Powerful Presence of Animals in Early Childhood Learning
  FREE PREVIEW
3. The Limits of Classroom Pets
4. Unit-Focused Alternatives That Honor Animals and Learning
5. Chapter 1 Review Questions
1. Rethinking Classroom Animals
2. Ethical Sourcing and Animal Welfare
3. Putting Ethical Care into Practice
4. Financial and Logistical Costs of Classroom Pets
5. The Hidden Logistics Behind the Scenes
6. Sustaining Curiosity Beyond the First Day
7. Lost Opportunities for Deep Learning
8. Chapter 2 Open-Ended Question
1. Bringing a Classroom Pet into Your Early Learning Program
2. Communicate with Families
3. Health, Safety, and Infection Control
4. Species-Specific Safety Measures
5. Cleanliness, Waste Management, and Environmental Care
6. Veterinary Care and Emergency Protocols
7. Chapter 3 Review Questions
1. Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Pet Supplies
2. Cleaning and Disinfecting: Understanding the Difference
3. Establishing a Cleaning Rhythm
4. When Disinfecting Is Indicated
5. Where to Clean: Safe, Dedicated Spaces
6. Staff Training and Child Participation
7. Monitoring, Documentation, and Continuous Improvement
8. Chapter 4 Open-Ended Question
1. Inspiring Animal Learning Without Classroom Pets
2. Planning the Visit: Zoos, Sanctuaries, and Rescues
3. Extension Activities
4. Dramatic Play That Extends the Experience
5. Hatching Chicks in Early Childhood Settings
6. Learning Extensions That Deepen Understanding
7. Nurturing Butterflies in Early Childhood Settings
8. Learning Opportunities Across the Curriculum
9. Invitations to Observe Bees
10. Core Concepts for a Bee Study
11. Chapter 5 Open-Ended Question
1. Handout
2. Wrapping Up the Course
3. End of Course Reflection
4. Course Completion
5. End of Course Quiz
6. Course Feedback Form

About this course

$19.00
2 Clock Hours
All Approved States
Mixed-Age