July 23, 2013, Manhattan, KS - Manhattan’s Sunset Zoo is pleased to announce Cassie Anderson as the Lead Teacher for the Zoo’s new childcare program - Zoo Sprouts. In this role, Anderson will oversee the development of this full-time, nature-based program to launch this September.
“Cassie brings significant experience in early childhood education and a passion for nature-based programming,” said Jared Bixby, Curator of Education. “Her professionalism will ensure Zoo Sprouts provides safe and inspiring learning for our community’s youth.”
Anderson comes to Zoo Sprouts from Kansas State University’s Center for Child Development (KSU CCD) where she recently served as Assistant Director. She began her career at KSU as an Assistant Preschool Teacher, quickly advancing into a Lead Teacher role. In her Assistant Director role, Anderson led the Center’s successful effort for accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, among numerous other administrative duties.
Nature-based experiences are key to Anderson’s approach to early learning, completing training with the Growing Up Wild and Project Learning Tree curricula. Additionally, while at KSU, Anderson was instrumental in the installation of CCD’s natural playspace and helped to coordinate a regional early childhood workshop focused on nature-based education. Anderson holds a Bachelors of Science in Family Studies, Human Services and Mass Communications from Kansas State University.
In addition to Anderson, Zoo Sprouts is also in the process of hiring an Assistant Teacher. Both positions are overseen by the Zoo’s full-time Curator of Education, Jared Bixby, who serves as the program’s administrator. Anderson and the Assistant Teacher will also receive support from several part-time teacher aides.
Zoo Sprouts is a full-time, nature-based childcare program based out of Sunset Zoo’s new Nature Exploration Center. The program is geared for 2.5 to 5 year olds, with the hope of inspiring an appreciation for nature at an early age. Zoo Sprouts participants will immerse in the wonder of the natural world daily by incorporating informal play inside the Zoo Sprouts Natural Playspace, guided visits throughout the Zoo and encounters with the Zoo’s educational animal ambassador collection.
Enrollment for the program is open with a limited number of spots available for the September 3rd opening date. Community members interested in the Zoo Sprouts program can visit ZooSprouts.com or call Jared Bixby at (785) 587-2737.