{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Brigham Early Learning Center","outOfStateSupporters":22.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10246202,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting Our PreK Learners!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for making our DonorsChoose project possible! These wonderful materials will bring learning to life for our preschool students while helping them build important speech, language, literacy, and fine-motor skills.\r\n\r\nThe Wordy Wheels electronic spinner game will make language practice fun and engaging, while the magnetic building blocks will encourage creativity, problem-solving, and opportunities for students to practice language during play. The sound segmenting trays and magnets will give our little learners a hands-on way to explore sounds and build early phonological awareness skills. Scented markers and animal foam stickers will add excitement to our learning activities while supporting fine-motor development, creativity, and communication.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is giving our students engaging tools to play, learn, communicate, and grow. We are incredibly grateful for your support of our youngest learners!","fullyFundedDate":1788366052138,"projectUrl":"project/clip-stack-spin-learn-bringing-learn/10246202/","projectTitle":"Clip, Stack, Spin, Learn! Bringing Learning to Life for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":10398200,"projectId":10292541,"letterContent":"Our students have loved exploring the new sensory, imaginative play, and hands-on learning materials! The dinosaur and superhero figures and Treehouse Imagination Builders set have been especially popular during play, giving students opportunities to use their imaginations while practicing vocabulary, communication, turn-taking, and cooperative play. It's been fun to see them explore new materials during sessions.\r\n\r\nWe will continue incorporating these materials into individual and small group sessions. The tree house builders have been useful in helping students learn prepositions such as on, in, under. They have practiced following directions using hands on, colorful toys. Thank you for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1779064316903,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-exceptional-learne/10292541/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning for Exceptional Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McClure","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398200"},{"teacherId":10398200,"projectId":10176195,"letterContent":"Our students have been so excited to explore and play with the new materials! The play food, gears, animals, and robots have created engaging, hands-on opportunities for students to practice communication skills in a natural and meaningful way. Students are using the materials to request items, make comments, answer WH-questions, describe actions, and expand their sentences while playing. They are also practicing important social communication skills such as turn-taking, sharing, problem-solving, and interacting with peers. \r\n\r\nWe will continue using these materials during individual and small-group speech therapy sessions. Because many of our students have limited access to educational resources outside of school, these materials are especially valuable in providing rich learning experiences within our preschool environment. Your support has given our students new ways to explore, communicate, and learn through play, and these resources will continue to be used throughout the school year to support their language development and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1775234476719,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-talk-language-enrichment-for-pr/10176195/","projectTitle":"Help Me Talk! Language Enrichment for PreK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McClure","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398200"},{"teacherId":10397909,"projectId":10177429,"letterContent":"The materials in this project will have a meaningful impact on my preschool speech and language students by providing engaging, hands-on opportunities to build communication skills through play. Many of my students are learning foundational skills such as following directions, using words to express wants and needs, answering questions, participating in conversations, and interacting socially with peers. Games, books, toys, and adapted resources will help create motivating therapy sessions where students can practice these skills in fun, meaningful ways that support their growth and confidence.\r\n\r\nIn addition to supporting students during therapy sessions, these materials will help strengthen communication opportunities beyond the classroom. Printable resources, adapted books, and home programming materials from Teachers Pay Teachers will allow me to individualize instruction and provide families with activities they can use at home to reinforce skills learned in therapy. By creating consistency between school and home, students will have more opportunities to practice and generalize their communication skills in everyday environments.\r\n\r\nOrganization is also an important part of creating successful learning experiences. Storage containers will help keep materials accessible, organized, and ready to use so therapy time can remain focused on student engagement and communication. Together, these resources will support language development, early literacy, social interaction, and school readiness skills that will benefit my students both now and in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1779321127281,"projectUrl":"project/playful-tools-for-powerful-speech/10177429/","projectTitle":"Playful Tools for Powerful Speech","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lutes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397909_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767815720860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397909"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10225463,"letterContent":"My preschool students were filled with excitement when they first saw the new materials from our project, \"Every Child Deserves a Strong Start.\" The moment the boxes were opened, students eagerly gathered around to explore the hands-on learning tools, games, and activities. Their smiles, laughter, and curiosity showed just how meaningful these new resources were for them. Since receiving the materials, we have been using them daily during small groups, learning centers, and play-based language activities to strengthen communication, social interaction, fine motor skills, and early literacy concepts.\r\nStudents worked together to sort objects, build with manipulatives, and practice describing and comparing items using new vocabulary words. These hands-on experiences have helped my students stay engaged while building confidence and important developmental skills through play and exploration. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, my students are receiving meaningful learning experiences that help build a strong foundation for future success.","fullyFundedDate":1778294705923,"projectUrl":"project/every-child-deserves-a-strong-start/10225463/","projectTitle":"Every Child Deserves a Strong Start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10222501,"letterContent":"My preschool students were beyond excited when they first saw the new learning materials arrive in our classroom. The moment I introduced the play vending machine, magnetic blocks, sorting games, and fine motor activities, their faces lit up with smiles and excitement. Many students immediately began talking with one another, asking questions, and exploring the materials together. These resources have helped create a classroom environment where learning feels like play, while also building important speech, language, social, and early academic skills. \r\n\r\nOne of our favorite classroom moments happened during a forest animal sorting activity paired with magnetic character figures and building blocks. Students worked together to create animal homes while practicing categories, describing words, and problem-solving skills. I watched students who are usually hesitant to participate \r\nbecome more confident using language to explain their ideas and interact with peers. \r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have access to engaging tools that help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally every single day. Thank you for giving my preschoolers meaningful opportunities to explore, create, and learn with excitement and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1778444292177,"projectUrl":"project/engage-explore-grow-fresh-tools-for-c/10222501/","projectTitle":"Engage, Explore, Grow: Fresh Tools for Curious Preschool Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":1548394,"projectId":10191891,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping our little learners with new activities to help promote their gross motor skills!\r\n\r\nThe seesaw has been a huge hit, and the tricycles were much needed! We now have enough two-seater tricycles that students aren't having to wait extended amounts of time to use them!\r\n\r\nKeeping our kids moving and engaged is one of our top priorities, and because of donors like you, we are able to accomplish this. We sincerely appreciate your support of our classroom and your help with this project!","fullyFundedDate":1776307405933,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-movin/10191891/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Movin'!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hereford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/karahereford"},{"teacherId":10421190,"projectId":10066915,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping bring these engaging speech and language materials to my preschool students! The excitement on their faces when they first saw the new toys and games was incredible. Many of my students immediately began exploring together, using more words, gestures, and social interaction during play than I had seen before. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of students use the community helper figures to act out a pretend trip to the doctor's office. They practiced taking turns, asking questions, labeling items, and using new vocabulary while laughing and working together.\r\n\r\nWe are using the feed-the-animal toys during speech groups to target requesting, describing, following directions, and playfully expanding sentences. The sorting and matching activities have become favorites in our literacy centers because students are building vocabulary and categorization skills while also practicing early reading readiness skills. The magnetic blocks have encouraged cooperative play and problem-solving, giving students natural opportunities to communicate with peers and practice social language.\r\n\r\nThese materials are already making such a positive impact on my students' confidence and willingness to communicate. As we continue through the school year, we will use these resources to support themed classroom units, story retelling activities, and collaborative play projects that strengthen both language and early literacy skills. Your generosity is helping my students find their voices, connect with others, and experience success through play-based learning. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1774963595078,"projectUrl":"project/little-voices-big-words-play-based-spe/10066915/","projectTitle":"Little Voices, Big Words: Play-Based Speech for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garnhart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10421190_orig.png?crop=3024,3024,x0,y977&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769707799297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10421190"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10185552,"letterContent":"Since receiving these new resources, my students have been actively engaged in hands-on, play-based learning every day. One of our favorite classroom moments has been during small group language centers, where students use mini objects and themed games to build vocabulary and practice forming simple sentences. For example, during a farm-themed activity, students matched animals, described them, and practiced phrases like \"I see a cow\" or \"The pig is pink.\" These activities not only support speech and language goals, but also build confidence as students begin to express themselves more independently.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate and heartwarming. Their eyes lit up, and they couldn't wait to explore each item. Even students who are typically more hesitant to participate were eager to join in, touch the materials, and try new activities. The engaging, hands-on nature of these resources naturally draws them in and helps create a positive, inclusive learning environment where every child feels successful.","fullyFundedDate":1776533838299,"projectUrl":"project/small-but-mighty-building-big-skills-wi/10185552/","projectTitle":"Small But Mighty: Building Big Skills With Mini Objects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":10397909,"projectId":10195422,"letterContent":"This project has created meaningful new opportunities for preschoolers to build communication skills through movement, play, and outdoor exploration. Using a portable magnetic easel, speech-language therapy has extended beyond the classroom and into the fresh air, giving students a more engaging and flexible environment for learning. The easel has made it easy to bring visuals, stories, vocabulary activities, and interactive lessons outdoors so students can participate in structured speech-language therapy while benefiting from the motivation and regulation that outdoor settings provide.\r\n\r\nMini-objects used in sand tables, water tables, and other sensory play activities have given students hands-on opportunities to practice language in meaningful, play-based contexts. As they dig, scoop, pour, hide, and discover, students build vocabulary, answer WH-questions, describe actions, and practice spatial concepts like in, on, under, and next to. These materials have helped turn sensory play into purposeful language learning while keeping students engaged and excited to communicate.\r\n\r\nBy combining structured therapy tools with outdoor movement and sensory exploration, this project has helped students strengthen early language and literacy skills in ways that feel natural, motivating, and fun. These experiences have supported communication growth, increased participation, and helped students carry new skills into everyday play and classroom routines. Thank you so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1777045231527,"projectUrl":"project/building-language-and-literacy-in-the-gr/10195422/","projectTitle":"Building Language and Literacy in the Great Outdoors","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lutes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397909_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767815720860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397909"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10179574,"letterContent":"When our new materials arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate—little eyes lit up as students explored the ocean-themed items, scooped through sensory bins, and carefully examined seashells. One of our favorite moments was during a small-group \"ocean exploration\" activity. Students used the shells to sort by size and texture while practicing new vocabulary like smooth, bumpy, big, and tiny. As they played, they naturally began asking questions, making observations, and even creating simple stories about their \"ocean finds.\" It was incredible to see how quickly play turned into meaningful language and learning.\r\nThe literacy sound-sorting and syllable activities have also been a big hit. Students are clapping syllables, matching beginning sounds, and gaining confidence as they hear and produce new words. The mouth model has been especially helpful for showing how sounds are made, giving students a visual and hands-on way to practice correct speech sound placement. Fidget tools have supported focus and engagement, helping all learners stay involved during activities. Thanks to your support, these hands-on experiences are helping our preschoolers grow into confident communicators and curious learners every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1776111615361,"projectUrl":"project/summer-smiles-learning-styles/10179574/","projectTitle":"Summer Smiles & Learning Styles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10085916,"letterContent":"The Monster Minds in the Making project has made a meaningful impact on my PreK students by turning everyday learning into exciting, hands-on experiences. With the addition of engaging monster-themed materials, books, and interactive tools, students have become more motivated to participate, communicate, and explore. These resources have created a playful environment where learning feels fun, encouraging even my most hesitant learners to join in and take risks.\r\n\r\nI have seen growth in students' ability to answer questions, follow directions, and use new vocabulary, especially during interactive activities with the monster puppet and learning games. These materials have helped build confidence, increase engagement, and support early literacy and STEM skills in a meaningful way. Most importantly, my students are developing a love for learning as their \"monster minds\" continue to grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1774963686340,"projectUrl":"project/monster-minds-in-the-making/10085916/","projectTitle":"Monster Minds in the Making","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25339","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":175,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":26,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":13,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"14.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":77.8,"schoolId":25339,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Brigham Early Learning Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Brigham Early Learning Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/mclean-co-unit-district-5/brigham-elementary-school/25339"}
Join the 248 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Brigham Early Learning Center is
an urban public school
in Bloomington, Illinois that is part of Mclean Co Unit District 5.
It serves 175 students
in grades Pre-K - Pre-K with a student/teacher ratio of 14.6:1.
Its teachers have had 75 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - Pre-K
175 Students
12 Teachers
201 Brigham School RdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
59%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Brigham Early Learning Center Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Brigham Early Learning Center
$32,227
raised using DonorsChoose
75
projects
funded
24
teachers
funded
248
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Brigham Early Learning Center has received support from
193 individuals from Illinois and
55 individuals out-of-state.