{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Blair Early Childhood Center","outOfStateSupporters":26.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8846248,"projectId":9888104,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project to provide play food materials for our preschool special education classroom! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to engaging, hands-on materials that help them learn through play, an essential part of early childhood development. These materials allow our students to explore everyday routines, practice language and social skills, and build confidence in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, many students are learning to communicate, interact with peers, and understand the world around them. Dramatic play with materials like play food gives them opportunities to practice real-life skills such as sharing, requesting, taking turns, and engaging in imaginative play. These experiences are especially valuable for young learners who benefit from visual supports, structured play, and repeated opportunities to practice functional skills in a supportive environment!\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact on our students and our classroom community. We are grateful for your support and for recognizing the importance of early childhood special education. Because of donors like you, we can create a classroom filled with joyful, meaningful learning experiences every day. Thank you for helping our students learn, grow, and play.","fullyFundedDate":1769177189526,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-creativity-in-our-classroom-k/9888104/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Creativity in Our Classroom Kitchen!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gabby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8846248_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y161&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757001122062","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8846248"},{"teacherId":5153231,"projectId":9907931,"letterContent":"Our students are using the new dramatic toys in our play area. They are using their imagination and creativity to engage with their peers and increase their functional play skills. Play skills are super important for our learners and they need engaging toys to learn to share, problem solve, imagine, create and defeat challenging obstacles that may occur.\r\n\r\nIn the photos, you can see how the students have been loving them. They specifically loved using the dolls and ocean animals like you see in the photos but they truly will enjoy all of their new toys! Our students will be working on these skills for the rest of the year but in all different ways. We will continue to learn and create in our classroom, thanks to you!","fullyFundedDate":1769177179785,"projectUrl":"project/learn-to-play/9907931/","projectTitle":"Learn to Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walery","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5153231_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519252285646","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5153231"},{"teacherId":5153305,"projectId":9885152,"letterContent":"Wow! Our classroom is lit up! All these lighting materials have made such a difference. We are seeing such creative building, creating and play. One way we used the tiny lights was in the blocks center. One child created an huge \"building\" and added lights. She told me \"I built Mexico City, there are so many beautiful lights there.\" \r\nWe so appreciate your donation to early childhood education! You are helping my students to start their career off in such a positive way. Thank you for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1767242376082,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-the-way-for-learning/9885152/","projectTitle":"Lighting the Way for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5153305_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517935349810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5153305"},{"teacherId":3371991,"projectId":9905846,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for adding \"A Little Magic\" to our classroom! \r\n\r\nYour donations have already made a positive impact in our classroom. We have introduced the Magnetic Doodle Boards as part of Centers Time and now they will become a consistent station in our functional play area. \r\n\r\nThese Magnetic Doodle Boards are a perfect fit for our classroom. They allow the students to develop fine motor and early writing skills in a low stakes activity that helps to reduce frustration and increase engagement. \r\n\r\nIt is so exciting that we have enough to offer as a station and what a fun station it has become!","fullyFundedDate":1767210868128,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-magic/9905846/","projectTitle":"A Little Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McNamara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3371991_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628564285953","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3371991"},{"teacherId":3371991,"projectId":9905962,"letterContent":"The Fat Brain Air Toobz toy has made an immediate and positive impact in our classroom! The students were so excited when we first introduced it and their enthusiasm has not diminished one bit since. \r\n\r\nThe Air Toobz wind toy has been an excellent way to practice attending to a large group activity and turn taking. I do not think we have ever had a more motivating toy for this! \r\n\r\nThe students have also had some one on one time with the toy so that they can practice building new configurations and take the extra time to learn through experimentation and problem solving. \r\n\r\nSoon, we hope to add it to our Sensory Center.","fullyFundedDate":1764598836549,"projectUrl":"project/full-of-hot-air/9905962/","projectTitle":"Full of Hot Air","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McNamara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3371991_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628564285953","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3371991"},{"teacherId":5186373,"projectId":9771436,"letterContent":"By using the dividers as 'focus walls\" I was able to create borders for separate learning areas in my classroom. Students who are at the sensory station may be more interested/ distracted by a game the social worker is playing with her students, and now they are not. With separate learning areas the students can be more attentive in each separate area, and not be distracted by other learning stations. Additionally, I use the dividers when the occupational therapists come in so they can service their students without distracting the other activities going on in the classroom. \r\n My students like to help move the dividers/focus walls to the places they are needed most. They are light weight and can easily moved from place to place in the classroom depending on what we are doing. They come in handy to put behind the students during morning meeting to increase their attention to the front of the class.\r\n When the walls are behind some students they provide a sense of security. They create a safe and predictable environment for my students. When my students feel safe and calm it makes leaning more conducive. Thank you for your contributions. Focus walls really do create focused children.","fullyFundedDate":1760834306983,"projectUrl":"project/focus-walls-create-focused-children/9771436/","projectTitle":"Focus Walls Create Focused Children","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O'Loughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5186373_orig.jpg?crop=1160,1160,x0,y193&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680194434890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5186373"},{"teacherId":8846248,"projectId":9707754,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in helping our special education preschool classroom receive a brand-new Magna-Tiles set. The excitement on my students' faces the moment they opened the box was unforgettable. For many of them, hands-on materials like these make learning feel approachable, fun, and safe, and your donation has given them a meaningful new way to explore the world around them.\r\n\r\nMagna-Tiles have already sparked significant growth—students are practicing turn-taking, communicating with peers, and experimenting with shapes, colors, and early STEM concepts through play. Several of my students who typically engage in short bursts of activity have been staying focused for extended periods, proudly building towers, houses, and imaginative creations they can share with the class. These small successes are giant steps toward developing their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour kindness truly makes a difference in our classroom. Every day, my students are learning through joy, collaboration, and creativity because of you. Thank you for your confidence in them and for helping us create a space where all children can shine.","fullyFundedDate":1759195325957,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds/9707754/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gabby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8846248_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y161&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757001122062","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8846248"},{"teacherId":5153318,"projectId":9532669,"letterContent":"The new light table has added so much fun and learning to the students' daily learning. Everyday the students have the opportunity to explore different manipulatives such as beads, magnatiles, legos and shapes. They use them for building, counting, sorting and endless pretend opportunities. \r\nIt has been my pleasure watching them as they use their new light table. It brings a sense of calm for students needing a quiet activity. It also provides an area for student conversation and inquiry. Thank you donors for showing an interest in my students' learning!","fullyFundedDate":1757631544859,"projectUrl":"project/light-it-up/9532669/","projectTitle":"Light It Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. J","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5153318_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517599668649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5153318"},{"teacherId":5153305,"projectId":9497623,"letterContent":"Wow! The students in my preschool classroom are really enjoying the beautiful new dramatic play kitchen. So far it has been a pretend house complete with laundry, a pizza kitchen and a bakery. My students are playing and engaging with peers and have all the tools to do so. In preschool hearing children play and pretend may just sound \"fun\" or \"cute\" but it is so much more. Play is the primary way children learn and develop skills, including problem-solving, language, and creativity. They learn how to cooperate with others and manage their emotions. We need a society that has adults that can do all these things and preschool is the place to start. Thank you for helping my students grow in so many ways with your donations.","fullyFundedDate":1757085137255,"projectUrl":"project/now-were-cookin/9497623/","projectTitle":"Now We're Cookin'","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5153305_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517935349810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5153305"},{"teacherId":8846248,"projectId":9637672,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in helping us bring a Toniebox to our special education preschool classroom! My students and I are beyond excited and grateful for this amazing addition to our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe Toniebox has already brought so much joy, curiosity, and calmness to our days. My students light up when they see their favorite Tonie characters and love taking turns choosing a story or song. It has quickly become a comforting part of our routine. It has helped students build listening skills, follow directions, and engage in imaginative play.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, especially those who are nonverbal or learning to communicate, the Toniebox provides an inclusive and magical way to connect with stories and music. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter reminds me just how powerful your support is.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping make learning a little more joyful, musical, and magical every day.","fullyFundedDate":1757062883414,"projectUrl":"project/tonie-time-building-a-magical-listening/9637672/","projectTitle":"Tonie Time! Building a Magical Listening Center!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gabby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8846248_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y161&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757001122062","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8846248"},{"teacherId":243779,"projectId":9412751,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation you gave to my classroom. Because of your support, my project was fully funded! The students and staff in my classroom were thrilled when our new bookshelf arrived. The display bookshelf is located in our library area, and they love the fact that the books are new and different from the books they see throughout the day.\r\n We utilize the shelf to display books that go along with our thematic units as well as the authors we are studying during Language Arts. The students all visit the library multiple times a week during our Language Arts centers. Now that these books are on display, the students are able to choose one of the books and look at it or ask an adult to read to them during their library station. The students are also able to choose a book from our display shelf to read during our independent reading time. \r\nIt is so wonderful to see the excitement on the faces of the students when we change out the books on the shelf. They enjoy looking at the covers and choosing the book they want to read. Thank you so much for thinking of our classroom. Please know that you have made a positive impact on many young learners. Have a wonderful holiday season.","fullyFundedDate":1755806697899,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-books-to-life/9412751/","projectTitle":"Bringing Books To Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brady","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp243779_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1527147912844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mchoganbrady"},{"teacherId":5153246,"projectId":9633141,"letterContent":"Our school is beyond grateful for your contributions to our project. We asked for playdough tools and accessories to provide opportunities for our students to express themselves through creation. \r\n\r\nMy students were so excited for the variety of playdough and sand tools we have been able to use because of you. We have spent time using our new playdough creating so many different things. You will be able to see them engaged in these activities in the uploaded pictures. \r\n\r\nThese amazing tools have helped our students use their imagination and engage socially discussing with peers what they have created. I have seen so many more students engaged in our art projects and improvements in their communication skills. \r\n\r\nThank you for making our Art class so much fun! You have helped us tremendously by ensuring our students have the appropriate resources to display their unique artistic skills. Words cannot express how appreciative we are!!!","fullyFundedDate":1758181503001,"projectUrl":"project/delightful-dough/9633141/","projectTitle":"Delightful Dough!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lindsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5153246_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517847860425","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lindsey-darling"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5357","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":250,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":80,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":"11.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.2,"schoolId":5357,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Blair Early Childhood Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Blair Early Childhood Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/blair-early-childhood-center/5357"}