Inland Empire Classroom Aquarium Education Program (CAEP)

Step 1 – Contact the R6 South CAEP Coordinator 

• New teachers who are interested in participating in the R6 South Classroom Aquarium Education Program, must contact r6southcaep@wildlife.ca.gov to determine if space is available in the upcoming school year. In your message, please include your: 

  • Name 
  • School 
  • District 
  • Contact information (phone number and personal email address) 

Step 2 - Participate in a Teacher Training 

• New Teachers start participating in the program by attending a training. Trainings are required and offered annually throughout the school year. Dates and registration links can be found by scrolling to the "Teacher Workshops" section of this page. 

• After completing a workshop, teachers are considered “certified” and are eligible to apply for eggs. 

• Returning Teachers who need a recertification, including teachers returning to the program after a 3-year hiatus, or anyone interested in a refresher, should also sign up for training before applying for eggs.  

Step 3 - Apply for Eggs 

• All teachers must apply for eggs annually, using the online application by the session deadline. See deadlines in “Important Dates” section below.  

• The 2025-26 application will open in Fall 2025. 

• Equipment, if it is available, will be lent to you. Many teachers obtain grant money or funding through other sources for the equipment needed. 

Help is needed in a variety of ways including delivering eggs to schools, classroom presentations, and assisting with release field trips. Angling Clubs and other organizations may donate their time and/or resources.  

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or sponsor for this program please contact R6southCAEP@wildlife.ca.gov 

• All new teachers, and any returning teachers in need of recertification, must complete a teacher training prior to applying for eggs.
  • One training is offered in fall before the first CAEP egg season.  
  • Two trainings are offered in winter (December and January) before the winter egg season. 
  • Two trainings are offered in spring (February and May)
• Once certified, teachers are required to apply for eggs annually. Application details can be found under the "Important Dates" section of this page.
• Teachers who have been accepted into the program are informed 3-4 weeks before the egg arrival. 
  • It is recommended to begin running your tank at least 2 weeks before you expect eggs to arrive.  
• Fry must be released no later than 8 weeks after receiving eggs. 
  • It is recommended to take photographs of your tank with the fry to count the number of fry before you release them. You will need this number for your release summary.
• The online release summary form must be completed within 2 weeks of releasing your fry.

Once you complete a CAEP teacher workshop training, you will receive a certificate stating that you are certified to participate in CAEP.

In order to receive eggs, teachers must complete an online application. After submitting your application, you will receive an initial confirmation email verifying that your application has been received. Later, you will receive a second confirmation email from the R6 South CAEP Coordinator confirming your participation. This second email will include important information and any questions, clarifications, or comments from the coordinator.

Yes, you will need to get your own certification on order to receive eggs as well as to transfer any fish. Certifications are not transferrable, you can sign up for a teacher training workshop in the section above. 

Waterbodies are approved for CAEP release site by CDFW scientists and the USFWS. Approvals are reviewed every five years, or sooner if an ecological issue arises. The list of Approved Sites is subject to change based on environmental conditions. These Approved Release Sites are listed when you apply online for your Authorization Form (CDFW 772).  

Upon receiving eggs, teachers will receive an authorization form with an assigned, approved waterbody for release. Fry must be released into the waterbody that is listed on your authorization form. See guidelines(opens in new tab) for more details.   

The 2025-26 approved waterbodies will be listed in this year's CAEP application. 

• First, test the water in your tank. Measure ammonia levels, and use a separate thermometer to measure temperature, to ensure both levels are within acceptable limits.  
  • Do not use chlorinated water. Ensure staff/people with access to your tank know not to disconnect the chiller.  
• Take note of any abnormalities in fry behavior and/or development. 
• Contact the R6 South CAEP Coordinator by email or phone.  

When supplies are available, CDFW R6S can loan tanks, chillers, aerators, and other supplies to classrooms in need of equipment. Fish food is provided. The only out of pocket cost should be field trip transportation, however, if difficulties with bussing arise please contact the R6 South CAEP Coordinator. 

If CDFW supplies are not available, local nonprofits may be willing to help with tanks and chillers. You may also be able to apply for grants, such as the ones listed below:  

• Pets in the Classroom
• Voya Unsung Heroes
• Target Field Trip Grants
• Toshiba Grants
• Walmart Community Grant
• AAEF Classroom Grant

See also, Curriculum Aids and Teacher Resource Guide (PDF)

• Tank cleaning protocols (PDF)
• Tips For Improving The Survival Rate In Your Tank (PDF)
• Correlations of CAEP to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) (PDF)
• Quick Reference Guide to CAEP Correlations to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) (PDF)

 

Programs and organizations that relate to the Classroom Aquarium Education Program, or provide similar opportunities

• The Environmental Education Collaborative
• Inland Empire Resource Conservation District
• Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District
• The Wildlands Conservancy
• Chino Basin Water Conservation District
• California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC)
• Project Wild Aquatic
• Project Wild
• Forestry Institute for Teachers
• Forestry Challenge
• Project Learning Tree
• Inland Empire Waterkeeper
• California Science Teachers Association
• California Classroom Science
• Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS)
• California Academy of Sciences