Education Programs: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Mote?

You can find directions to Mote here.

Where can I find pictures taken during our program?

Our pictures are posted on a password-protected Web site. You will receive the address and password at the conclusion of your program. If you did not received this information, please e-mail Gina Santoianni at gina@mote.org and include your name and the name and date of your program.

Does Mote offer behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters?

No, Mote does not offer behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters. Visitors are welcome to watch our keepers feed the sharks in the main shark tank every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11 a.m.

Does Mote offer guided tours of the Aquarium?

No, Mote does not offer guided tours of the Aquarium, but docents are stationed throughout the galleries. Our docents are there to provide you with information about our animals and answer any questions you may have. And, you are welcome to download our free Mote visit activities. Try our Aquarium Scavenger Hunt, Goldstein Marine Mammal Center scavenger hunt, or the combined Aquarium and Mammal Center Wristband Activity.

If I sign up for an education program, do I have to buy a ticket to the Aquarium as well?

Aquarium admission is not included in education program fees so a seperate ticket will need to be purchased.

For what reasons would Mote cancel an education program?

Mote might cancel an education program due to low registration, or due to adverse weather conditions (if the program is based in or on the water).

If Mote cancels a program, when will I be notified?

You will be notified at least 24 hours before your program is due to begin. The exception may be sudden adverse weather conditions for programs based in or on the water. In this case, we will make every effort to contact you in advance.

If Mote cancels a program, will you refund my money?

Yes, your money will be refunded if Mote cancels the program. We will also offer you the opportunity to credit your payment to a future program.

What credit cards do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Can I reserve my space in an education program with a credit card, and then pay with a check, money order, or in cash on the program date?

Yes, you may reserve your space in Mommy & Me at Mote or Behind-the-Science with a credit card and pay in a different way on the program date. Please let us know at the time you register that this is your preference.

This policy does not apply to any other education program, such as summer programs and field trips.

Will there be a lifeguard on duty for water-based programs?

Yes.

What medical services are available if my child is injured?

All education staff members are certified in CPR and first aid. The closest medical center is Sarasota Memorial Hospital, which is 11 minutes away.

Do I need my own kayak?

No, Mote will provide all equipment including kayak, paddle and lifejacket.  There will be a brief introduction for beginner paddlers as well.

Do I need to pre-register?

Who can sign up for field trips?

Field trips are open to all schools and groups, including Scouts, community organizations, and large families. The minimum number of participants for a field trip program is 15 students.

Our group is larger than the maximum of 30 students - what should we do?

Mote will split groups with more than 30 students into multiple classes.

What is the field trip cancellation policy?

Mote retains a $50 cancellation fee for cancelled field trips, but will refund the remainder of the field trip cost.

What is the field trip rainy day policy?

Field trips are conducted under most weather conditions. We will contact you if your field trip needs to be recheduled due to weather.

What are the contents of the confirmation packet?

Your confirmation packet will contain your approved dates, a personalized schedule for your visit, an invoice, and a field trip flyer.

Where do we meet our instructor when we arrive at Mote?

Your instructor will be waiting for you at the main entrance to the Aquarium.

Where do buses park?

Buses may park in the main Aquarium parking lot.

What are our lunch options?

Your group may bring their own lunches or order lunch in advance from our Deep Sea Diner. There is outside seating in the park next to the Aquarium.

Is there a fee for chaperones if we bring more than the recommended number?

Yes, extra chaperones are charged at the student rate. 

May our whole family attend Home School Day?

Yes, Home School Day welcomes families with kids of all ages. Please be aware that each person in your party age 6 and older is considered a paying participant.

I have kids who fall into different age/ grade levels - how do we handle the Home School Day schedule?

We understand that your family would like to stay together during the day. Kids outside an educational program's designated age/grade range are welcome to observe! Please be aware that we will not provide activity materials for them.

Do I need to pre-register for Home School Day?

Yes, pre-registration and pre-payment are required. 

What if the education program I want to participate in during Home School Day is full?

We do limit space in our classes. If there is interest, we will add extra sections of classes to accomodate the overflow.  

What are our lunch options on Home School Day?

You are welcome to bring a packed lunch or buy your lunch at the Deep Sea Diner, New Pass Grille, or the Salty Dog. There are picnic tables located in the Aquarium courtyard and in the park adjacent to the Aquarium. 

Where do we park for Home School Day? 

You may park in the Aquarium parking lot. Parking is free. 

When do we need to arrive for Home School Day? Where do we go?

Check-in is from 9:30 - 10 a.m. on the 3rd floor of the Keating Education Building, which is on the left side of the road before reaching the Aquarium.

Where and when does this class meet?

We meet at the Aquarium entrance at 9:50 a.m. We depart for the classroom promptly at 10 a.m.

Is pre-registration required?

Yes, you must pre-register to reserve your space in the class.

I am registered for Mommy & Me at Mote with my preschooler, but also have an baby at home. May I bring my younger child along?

Yes, we welcome children ages 0-2 at no extra charge, but please note that we do not provide class materials for these children.

How many adults may attend with a child?

There is no limit, or extra charge, for additional adults.

What is the maximum size of this class?

The maximum number of students in each Mommy & Me class is 15.

Is this class appropriate for my 2-year old (or 3-year old, 4-year old, 5-year old)?

Yes, our classes are designed to address the educational needs and attention spans of children from ages 2-5. In many cases our activities are tiered so that there is additional complexity added for the older children.

Can I sign up for all of the seasonal sessions at one time?

Yes!  You will receive a 20% discount for registering for 4 or more classes and a 15% discount for registering for the entire season (fall or spring).

The week I would like to register for is full - is there a waiting list?

Yes, we do keep waiting lists for summer programs that are full.

I have two children in the same camp - or my child is attending camp with a friend - can they be placed in the same group?

Yes, we will try to honor your placement requests. Please add a note to your registration form to this effect.

I am a summer camp alumni, but I didn't receive an e-mail containing the early registration password. What do I do?

Most likely, we did not have your e-mail in our system. Please e-mail Becky Wilson at bwilson@mote.org with your camper's name and the name and date of the camp they attended, and we will add you to our e-mail distribution list and send you the password.

What is the student/ instructor ratio?

The student/ instructor ratio for summer programs is typically 8:1, but is often smaller.

Are the summer program instructors background-checked?

Yes.

What is the drop-off, pick-up procedure?

Drop-off for Aquakids and Sea Sleuths begins at 8:15 a.m. Camp begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Parents are asked to sign their child in and will provide a password. Pick-up is at 12:30 p.m. and parents will need to recite the password and sign their child out.

If the person who is dropping the child off is not the same person who is picking them up, then the drop-off parent may either tell the password to that person, or let Mote educators know who the pick-up parent is. Mote educators will then check the driver's license of the designated pick-up parent before they depart with the child.

The procedure is identical for the other summer programs, with differences in drop-off and pick-up times. Digi-Know How?: Drop-off begins at 12:45 p.m. and pick-up is at 5 p.m.

Florida Keys Camp: Drop-off begins at 7 a.m. on Monday morning. We depart at 7:30 a.m. Pick-up is at 6 p.m. on Friday evening.

What should my child bring and wear to summer camp?

Your confirmation packet will include a list of required items. They will include comfortable playclothes, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), comfortable walking shoes, closed-toed & closed-heeled water shoes for water exploration (no flip-flops!), and a filled bottle of water. On some days, campers will need bathing suits, towels, and snorkel gear.

Children should not bring food to camp unless they have special dietary requirements. We will provide snacks.

Does my child need to know how to swim to participate in Mote's summer programs?

Yes, swimming skills are required for all programs, except Mommy & Me at Mote and Digi-Know How?

Who do I contact if I need to speak to my child during camp?

Your primary contact during the camp day will be Becky Wilson at 941.388.4441, ext. 348.

Am I allowed to stay with my children during summer camp?

In order to maintain a summer camp type atmosphere, parents/gaurdians are not allowed to stay with campers.

More Questions?

If we haven't answered your question here, please feel free to contact us by phone at 941.388.4441, ext. 348 or by e-mail at educate@mote.org