Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo will scale up its established NatureStart professional development program to create a network that expands the availability of this training for informal educators working in museums that provide early childhood programming based in nature and the environment. The project will work with an expert advisory council to develop training sites and training teams in four regions of the country; adapt NatureStart professional development for institutions beyond zoos, aquariums, and nature centers; design and pilot a blended learning model for NatureStart professional development that includes on-line learning opportunities and regionally-based intensive workshops; and evaluate and disseminate the new learning opportunity.