Childcare Resources Students Explore Sea Turtle Conservation Through Coastal Connections Visit

Coastal Connections gave four-year-old students in the Ducklings classroom an engaging morning of learning about sea turtle conservation. Pictured in the back row (L–R): Selena Munoz, Childcare Resources teacher; Nancy Vandergrift, Coastal Connections volunteer; Marilyn Brock, Childcare Resources teacher; and Coastal Connections volunteer Pat Lenski and STEM Educator Hannah Keiper.

A three-year-old student in the Kittens classroom explored the differences between leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles, discovering how each species varies in size, shell structure, and habitat.

A morning of play-based discovery unfolded as Coastal Connections, a nonprofit dedicated to sea turtle conservation, visited students at Childcare Resources of Indian River. The collaboration brought together two community-focused organizations with a shared goal of inspiring and educating the youngest learners in Indian River County.

Coastal Connections STEM Educator Hannah Keiper, along with volunteers Pat Lenski and Nancy Vandergrift, visited the Kittens and Ducklings classrooms, where they introduced three- and four-year-old students to sea turtle life cycles and anatomy through hands-on learning experiences.

Program students took turns “wearing” a turtle shell, using imaginative play to experience what it might be like to move and live like a sea turtle.

“It was incredibly rewarding for us to spend time with the students at Childcare Resources,” said Kendra Bergman, Coastal Connections Founder and CEO. “Through interactive activities, we aim to help children understand that even at a young age, they can play a role in protecting our environment and the wildlife that makes our community so special.”

Students were especially captivated by the opportunity to see and touch a real sea turtle shell, eagerly taking turns to explore it up close. Experiences like this support early childhood development by encouraging sensory exploration, language development, and critical thinking.

Hannah Keiper with Coastal Connections gave students a hands-on learning experience, inviting them to touch a real turtle shell and closely examine its intricate patterns and unique structure, sparking curiosity about marine life and natural design.

“Seeing the enthusiasm of students while they learn something new is impactful,” said Childcare Resources Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman. “Collaborations like this bring learning to life and create lasting impressions that support both education and a deeper appreciation for our environment.”

Childcare Resources continues to prioritize enriching educational experiences that spark curiosity and connect program students to the world around them, reinforcing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.