{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Stevens Early Learning Center ","outOfStateSupporters":43.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8927735,"projectId":9910819,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my students with these hands-on tools! As an occupational therapist, I'm excited to use them to build fine-motor skills, coordination, balance, body awareness, and confidence through purposeful play. Your generosity is helping me create engaging opportunities for students to move, explore, and learn in ways that feel fun and meaningful. These materials will be used throughout the school year to support students' participation and independence in the classroom. Writing isn't always the most fun task, however these materials add a fun and unexpected element.","fullyFundedDate":1766067046912,"projectUrl":"project/wiggles-wiggles-write/9910819/","projectTitle":"Wiggles, Wiggles, Write!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927735_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680537242995","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tene-davis-ot-time"},{"teacherId":8927735,"projectId":9910749,"letterContent":"These weighted vests and blankets have become valuable calming and regulatory tools in my classroom. I use them to provide students with additional sensory input when they need help getting organized and ready to learn. Students have responded positively to having these tools available, especially during transitions or when they need extra support to settle their bodies.\r\n\r\nAn important part of this project has also been helping teachers learn how to use weighted tools appropriately as part of a broader sensory strategy. I model ways to incorporate them during structured tabletop tasks, helping students maintain focus and participate more successfully in learning activities.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I will continue collaborating with teachers to identify students who may benefit from these supports and help staff build sensory strategies into everyday classroom routines. These resources have made it easier to support regulation while keeping students engaged in meaningful learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766067128363,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-focus-and-calm-weighted-tool/9910749/","projectTitle":"Supporting Focus and Calm: Weighted Tools for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927735_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680537242995","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tene-davis-ot-time"},{"teacherId":8927735,"projectId":9910683,"letterContent":"The light table has become one of my favorite tools for creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for my students. I use translucent blocks for building, giving students opportunities to strengthen fine-motor skills while exploring imaginative designs, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. Because the materials are visually engaging, students are often motivated to stay with an activity longer and experiment with different ways to build.\r\n\r\nI also use translucent letter cards for tracing and practicing letter formation. The light makes the letters especially engaging and helps draw students' attention to the visual details of each letter. These activities provide meaningful opportunities to work on fine-motor control, visual-motor skills, and pre-writing skills while keeping practice fun.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest benefits is simply how much the students enjoy using the table! Turning down the lights and watching the table change colors creates a special atmosphere that feels exciting and calming at the same time. It gives students a unique sensory experience while encouraging exploration, creativity, and participation.","fullyFundedDate":1766067134315,"projectUrl":"project/illuminating-learning-a-light-table-for/9910683/","projectTitle":"Illuminating Learning-A Light Table for Hands on Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927735_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680537242995","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tene-davis-ot-time"},{"teacherId":6217880,"projectId":9489703,"letterContent":"Your donation supported the integration of sensory materials into our learning environment. This is so important in any classroom, but particularly for classrooms planned with universal design in mind. \r\n\r\nMy favorite use of sand was using it as a tool for writing early in the year as students develop their fine motor skills and letter knowledge. Adding sand has transformed early writing experiences into much more joyful and successful experiences. For the kids, having sand experiences literally throughout the classroom in every center meant that the children had access to something sensory (and preferred) everywhere. \r\n\r\nThanks for helping me create sensory-rich, hands-on experiences for the children in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1753924741270,"projectUrl":"project/sand-makes-learning-fun/9489703/","projectTitle":"Sand Makes Learning Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erika","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6217880_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548326203345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-erikab"},{"teacherId":6217880,"projectId":9478362,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! The sensory rich environment made a difference in not just what children learned, but more importantly, HOW they learned. \r\n\r\nWe used the sand tray resources for supporting emergent writing skills throughout the year! The sand writers build fine motor control, muscle memory, and letter recognition without the pressure or hand strain you'd get from using pencils. The children grew from writing letters to writing short, cvc words using sand. And, it added choice and fun to how we learned together.\r\n\r\nWe used the table-top water tray to \"fish\" for letters and match letters to letter sounds to support letter recognition and to learn scientific concepts related to the properties of water. We applied what we knew to designing and creating boats for a classroom regatta.","fullyFundedDate":1761921922650,"projectUrl":"project/sense-ational-learning-in-prek/9478362/","projectTitle":"Sense-ational Learning in PreK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erika","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6217880_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548326203345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-erikab"},{"teacherId":6217880,"projectId":9955021,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to bring a LAMINATOR and lamination sheets into our classroom environment! This laminator was used in countless ways by me and by the four year olds (under close supervision, of course!). To name a few of the ways children used the laminator, we laminated the pages of a book we wrote collaboratively; we used lamination to make durable classroom signs and checklists that the children needed and created; we used lamination to create durable pretend play props like money and name tags.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to finding new ways to make sure of this resource in the upcoming year.","fullyFundedDate":1766067121377,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-visible/9955021/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Visible","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erika","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6217880_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548326203345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-erikab"},{"teacherId":6831539,"projectId":10231399,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project and helping us receive a big laminator machine for our students. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThis laminator will allow me to create durable, meaningful, and engaging materials for my students every day. I will be able to laminate posters, visuals, materials for learning centers, classroom resources, and hands-on activities so they can be reused throughout the school year. The laminated resources will help keep our classroom organized, interactive, and visually supportive for all learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing in the importance of education. Your kindness and support truly make a difference in our classroom community, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1778159390016,"projectUrl":"project/durable-learning-tools-for-our-pre-k-cla/10231399/","projectTitle":"Durable Learning Tools for Our Pre-K Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chapa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6831539_orig.jpg?crop=3880,3880,x0,y1138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568744800789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-chapa"},{"teacherId":4557268,"projectId":9949329,"letterContent":"Hello Everyone! Thanks so much for your generosity!\r\n\r\nThe children really loved the Insect Study and seeing the metamorphosis of the butterflies. The butterfly gardens and caterpillars were integral in that process. The children were super curious and thoughtful when we took care of the insects. During the butterflies' release into nature, the children had lots of questions about their lives in the world outside of our classroom. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the Clorox wipes and gloves always are in short supply at the school, so having our own was important to making sure things stay sanitized and safe for the children to play and learn. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your kind donations and for supporting us!","fullyFundedDate":1766067029404,"projectUrl":"project/butterfly-gardens-for-our-pre-k-insect-s/9949329/","projectTitle":"Butterfly Gardens for Our Pre-K Insect Study (2025)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4557268_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533620823985","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tso"},{"teacherId":10222997,"projectId":9940361,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and for providing our classroom with kinetic sand, playdough, glue, and paint. Your kindness has brought meaningful, hands‑on learning experiences to our students and has already made a positive impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nOur students are primarily nonverbal, and when they were introduced to the new materials, their excitement was clear through their smiles, focused attention, and eagerness to explore. Many students reached out right away to touch the kinetic sand and playdough, while others carefully observed before joining in. The glue and paint have given students new ways to express themselves visually and creatively, even without words.\r\n\r\nWe are using these materials during small‑group instruction and structured play to support fine‑motor development, sensory regulation, and communication through choice‑making and interaction. Students practice requesting materials using multimodal communication, and they engage with peers by sharing space, tools, and attention during art and sensory activities.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue incorporating these supplies into themed art projects and sensory routines that help students build independence, strengthen their hands, and participate more fully in classroom activities. These experiences are essential in helping our students access learning and express themselves in ways that feel safe and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us create a classroom environment where every child has opportunities to explore, create, and grow. We are deeply grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1766067027091,"projectUrl":"project/color-texture-creations-exploring-art/9940361/","projectTitle":"Color & Texture Creations: Exploring Art Through Sensory Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10222997"},{"teacherId":6831539,"projectId":9630458,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in a way that immediately impacted both learning and daily routines. The new storage cabinet quickly became the heart of our classroom organization. Each lesson, my PreK3 and PreK4 students independently gather their materials from the cubbies, which has made transitions smoother and more purposeful. During our literacy block, for example, students can now select letter cards, story props, and writing tools without needing constant guidance. \r\n\r\nWhen the cabinet first arrived, the students were genuinely excited. They immediately noticed how everything had its own place and were eager to explore it. Many of them began using language like \"This goes here\" or \"I can do it,\" reinforcing both vocabulary and independence. \r\n\r\nThe organization provided by this resource allows us to spend more time engaged in meaningful, hands-on exploration and less time managing materials. Your support has laid the foundation for a more structured, student-centered classroom, and we are excited to continue growing from here. Thank you for making this possible for our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1766067046493,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-ready-to-learn-and-have-fu/9630458/","projectTitle":"Organized and Ready to Learn and Have Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chapa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6831539_orig.jpg?crop=3880,3880,x0,y1138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568744800789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-chapa"},{"teacherId":210740,"projectId":9947755,"letterContent":"We have distributed the Walkie-Talkies to all teachers at our school, and we now have a surer method to communicate with our front desk when we have emergencies and problems. \r\n\r\nWe were using a Teams chat to make requests but while dealing with bathroom clean up emergency or bloody nose problems teachers needed to find their personal phone to then type in a message requesting help. We also have a rule that teachers should not be on our phones but before the walkie talkies, we needed to use phone to request help. The Walkie Talkies have allowed problems to get dealt with immediately. \r\n\r\nWe are grateful that this has allowed teachers and support staff to communicate better. \r\n\r\nTHANKYOU so much for your generosity and support!","fullyFundedDate":1766067041071,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-students-safe-connected-walki/9947755/","projectTitle":"Keeping Students Safe & Connected: Walkie-Talkies for Our School Team","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tony","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/210740"},{"teacherId":7740320,"projectId":9943567,"letterContent":"The materials from this project have made a meaningful impact on students throughout our entire school community. Every class that comes through our space has had the opportunity to engage with them, and the excitement they bring to students is truly incredible. These resources have added a new level of joy and engagement to our learning environment.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, especially those in special education programs, traditional materials can sometimes be difficult to access or stay engaged with. Many of these students have unique physical, sensory, and learning needs that require thoughtful accommodations in order to fully participate. The materials from this project help bridge that gap. They provide tactile, sensory-friendly, and accessible ways for students to interact with activities, allowing them to participate more comfortably and confidently.\r\n\r\nThese resources have been especially powerful for students who struggle with attention, sensory regulation, or physical challenges. The design of the materials allows them to explore, move, and engage in ways that support their individual learning needs. For some students, this means they are able to stay engaged in activities longer. For others, it means they can participate in ways that feel safe, enjoyable, and inclusive.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic and developmental benefits, these materials have also brought an incredible amount of happiness to our students. The excitement on their faces when they see these materials come out is something special. They encourage curiosity, movement, creativity, and connection among students across grade levels.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, every child in our building now has access to resources that make learning more engaging, inclusive, and joyful. Thank you for helping create an environment where all students—regardless of their abilities or challenges—can participate, explore, and experience success.","fullyFundedDate":1766067059401,"projectUrl":"project/lets-move-gross-motor-play-for-little/9943567/","projectTitle":"Let’s Move! Gross Motor Play for Little Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clifton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7740320_orig.png?crop=499,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629905065895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7740320"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_126213","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":42,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":53,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Weighted Average","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":56.5,"schoolId":126213,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Stevens Early Learning Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Stevens Early Learning Center ","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/stevens-early-learning-center/126213"}