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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I schedule a presentation?
Our program makes traffic safety fun and educational! We tailor presentations to fit the needs of K-5th graders, ensuring they grasp important concepts through engaging activities. To set up a session, just fill out our online form and we’ll get back to you promptly!
What age groups do you serve?
Curious about what age groups we work with? Our program is specifically designed for children in grades K-5, perfect for that age group to learn essential safety habits!
Is the program really free?
Our traffic safety education program is funded by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, allowing us to bring this valuable resource to your school at no cost.
How long does a presentation last?
Each presentation typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the presentation style you want. This keeps kids engaged without overwhelming them, making learning both fun and impactful!
What do we need to host the Ollie Movie presentation?
Hosting the Ollie Movie presentation is easy! All you need is a screen with sound to play the video, such as a projector, smart board, TV, laptop, or classroom monitor.
The movie link is compatible with all devices and can be shown in whatever format works best for your school or organization. Some groups choose to present it as a large assembly in a gym or cafeteria, while others present it classroom by classroom.
Once your presentation is confirmed, our team will send the movie link ahead of time so you’ll have plenty of time to test the movie and review lesson plans before your event.
I'd like to present to a smaller group of children. Can we still have Ollie visit?
We’re always happy to explore options! Due to travel expenses and scheduling demands across Tennessee, we typically recommend the virtual Ollie Movie as the best first step, but in-person visits may still be possible in your area.
Schools and organizations that partner with nearby groups, local law enforcement, or larger community events are often great candidates for a tour stop. If you know of another school or group in your area that might be interested, we’d love to hear about it!
Reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to talk through what may be possible.
Who plays Ollie at events?
Our Ollie mascots are typically college interns from Tennessee Tech University, but due to varying school schedules, a local volunteer often steps in, and it works great! If an Ollie volunteer is needed, it’s usually someone from your school or community.
Some of our most common volunteers include teachers or school staff, parents or guardians, older students, school resource officers, and community partners or event volunteers.
No mascot experience necessary, just someone enthusiastic and ready to have fun! Ollie’s role is all about high-fives, waving, taking photos, and engaging with students, so a big personality is truly all it takes. Our team will let you know if we need a volunteer and provide simple instructions beforehand to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Are there lesson plans I can pair with our Ollie Visit?
Yes! Grade-specific lesson plans are available for K–5 classrooms, with each activity designed to deepen students’ understanding of Ollie’s key safety messages while meeting Tennessee’s new traffic safety standards. These ready-to-use resources include interactive activities, discussions, and worksheets and can be completed before or after an Ollie visit or virtual movie presentation.
Lesson plans can be found here and are also linked through TNRoadSafetyStandards.org.
We also have downloadable coloring sheets! When finished, mail or email your art to Ollie to be featured in our art gallery!
Mailing Address:
Ollie Otter Seat Belt & Booster Seat Safety Program
iCube, Tennessee Tech P.O. Box 5103
Cookeville, TN 38505
How can I make my Ollie Visit more impactful?
One of the best ways to elevate your Ollie visit is by inviting local safety professionals to participate! School Resource Officers (SROs), police officers, firefighters, and other community safety heroes can make the experience even more memorable and meaningful for students. Their presence reinforces Ollie’s safety messages and gives children the opportunity to connect with trusted figures in their community.
Not sure where to start? We’re happy to help with ideas or point you in the right direction when it comes to reaching out to local agencies. Don’t hesitate to contact our team — we’d love to help make your Ollie visit the best it can be!
Can I advertise an upcoming Ollie visit?
Absolutely! We encourage you to spread the word. Downloadable flyers and social media graphics are available here. Feel free to share them with your school, organization, or community ahead of the visit!
When posting on social media, please tag Ollie Otter so we can see and share your excitement:
- Facebook: facebook.com/ollieottertn
- Instagram: instagram.com/ollieottertn
If you need specialized or customized graphics for your event, please reach out to our team in advance and we’ll do our best to help!
Can I request an Ollie suit for my event?
Yes, suit shipping is a wonderful option for schools and organizations that may be located further from our team or for weekend events! Due to very limited availability, suits are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed. You can submit a suit request at ollieotter.org/ollie-suit and our team will follow up to let you know if one is available for your event dates.
If a suit is shipped to you, we kindly ask that it be returned as soon as possible following your event, and no later than 5 days after, so that Ollie can continue to be shared with communities across Tennessee.
Do you provide car seats or booster seats at presentations?
While we are unable to provide car seats or booster seats directly, we are happy to help connect you with local resources that may be able to assist! Many schools have expanded their Ollie visit into a full community safety day by partnering with a nearby fitting station or local organization to host a car seat check or distribute resources during car line.
If you’re interested in incorporating additional safety resources into your Ollie visit, reach out to our team and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction!
Where can I get my car seat or booster seat checked?
A fitting station is a location staffed by certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians who can inspect your car seat or booster seat to ensure it is the right fit for your child and installed correctly. Getting your seat checked is free and can provide valuable peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
To find a certified fitting station near you, visit the Tennessee Traffic Safety fitting station map at tntrafficsafety.org/cps-fitting-stations.
What are Tennessee's child passenger safety laws?
Tennessee has specific laws regarding the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts for children. Because laws and requirements can be updated, we recommend visiting the Tennessee Traffic Safety website for the most current and official information.
For a full overview of Tennessee’s child passenger safety laws, visit tntrafficsafety.org/cps.
Tennessee Occupant Protection Center
- jbrewer@tntech.edu
- (931) 372-3318
- 1100 N. Peachtree Avenue, Room 362 Cookeville, TN 38505
TN Occupant Protection Center @ TN Tech University
The TN Occupant Protection Center launched in October of 2019 by TN Tech University iCube. The OP Center operates under a grant funded by the TN Highway Safety Office to promote and support education and awareness to decrease traffic safety injuries and deaths in motor vehicles.