Outreach Programs for Students

In an attempt to bring The Carle's educational programming to as wide an audience as possible, the Museum offers outreach programs to childcare centers, preschools, home-school groups, family centers, libraries, and schools. Designed to celebrate the art of the picture book and to encourage a connection to and appreciation of art, these programs develop visual and verbal literacy and support critical and creative thinking. It is possible to alter the duration or content of some of these programs to fit the specific needs of your group. Additional fees may apply dependent on the program design.

The Museum requires sites more than one half hour away from the Museum to contract for a minimum of one half-day of programming. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis for sites planning to host a Large Audience Program. All programs are for a minimum of 8 and maximum of 25 (or one classroom).

To arrange for your group's outreach program please contact the Education Department at programs@carlemuseum.org or 413.658.1106.

Thinking through Art Programs
These programs are designed to help students develop their literacy and critical thinking skills through interaction with the art and design of the picture book.
Click here for Thinking through Art outreach programs for students.

Art Studio Programs
Designed to engage participants in hands-on art making while fostering creative and critical thinking, these programs draw upon the Museum’s exhibitions, VTS, and the Reggio Emilia Approach to Education.
Click here for Art Studio outreach programs for students.

Book-Centered Programs
The Whole Book Approach supports critical engagement with the picture book as an art form, places emphasis on reading with children rather than reading to children, and engages the group in a collaborative experience. It is the foundation for The Carle's book-centered programming.
Click here for Book-Centered outreach programs for students.

Programs for Large Audiences
These programs are designed for groups of 30 or more.
Click here for student outreach Programs for Large Audiences.

Additional Fees
Programs that take place off-site will incur the following fees in addition to the program fee.

Mileage
The Museum will charge a fee of $.55 per mile for roundtrip travel between its Amherst location and the hosting site. The Museum will calculate this fee using an internet map source. (Mileage fee is subject to change based on the current IRS reimbursement rate.) Additional travel costs including but not limited to airfare, train, car service, and tolls are the responsibility of the hosting site.

Accommodations / Per Diem
Any site beyond a four-hour roundtrip from the Museum will be asked to provide overnight accommodations for the outreach consultant/presenter at his/her discretion. A per diem rate of $45 may also be applied to cover meals and incidental expenses incurred by the consultant/presenter.