{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Shady Dell Early Child Center","outOfStateSupporters":7.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9579291,"projectId":9324496,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! Because of you, our class received the sturdy collection crates and beautiful read-aloud books that helped bring our Food Fight project to life.\r\n\r\nWith the crates you funded, every classroom in our building had a designated space to collect donations for the Ozarks Food Harvest Food Fight. This simple but essential tool made it easy for students to participate each day, see our progress grow, and feel the impact of their contributions in a very real way. The crates became a visual reminder of how a community can come together to meet the needs of others.\r\n\r\nThe books you provided—Maddi's Fridge and Saturday at the Food Pantry—were equally powerful. These stories helped our youngest learners explore topics like hunger, needs, and how communities support one another. They sparked meaningful conversations about empathy, fairness, and kindness, and helped students understand why our Food Fight mattered. We were able to tailor books to the variety of age rages at our school with ECSE students (3-5) reading Maddi's Fridge and Saturday at the Food Pantry being read by our Wonder Years Students (4-5).\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our school collected over 2,000 food items for families in our community. Students felt proud, capable, and connected—not just to each other, but to the larger world around them. You helped create a hands-on learning experience that blended literacy, service learning, and social-emotional growth in a way our students will remember.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support. You made a real difference in our classroom and in our community.","fullyFundedDate":1747147037668,"projectUrl":"project/joining-the-fight-participating-in-the/9324496/","projectTitle":"Joining the Fight; Participating in the Annual Food Drive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579291_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744606959280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wonderyears-berry"},{"teacherId":9579291,"projectId":9219389,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom!\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, every student was able to create their very own cozy keepsake pillowcase—something they can use during rest time and enjoy each day for added comfort and familiarity. Students also practiced fine motor skills as they worked to tie their pillowcases on their own or with support, making the project both meaningful and developmentally rich.\r\n\r\nThis project ended up being a bit delayed because the wonderful woman who donates her time to embroider each pillowcase welcomed a new baby this fall. We were so grateful for her continued generosity - and thrilled that we were still able to complete the project before winter!\r\n\r\nYour kindness made this special experience possible, and it truly brought so much joy to our classroom. Thank you for helping make our space feel even more like home for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1754428933669,"projectUrl":"project/tie-snuggle-learn-pillows-for-little/9219389/","projectTitle":"Tie, Snuggle, Learn: Pillows for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579291_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744606959280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wonderyears-berry"},{"teacherId":9579291,"projectId":9304551,"letterContent":"When our new cooking materials arrived, my students were overjoyed. They could hardly believe that they would be able to cook right in their classroom! The first time we brought the tools out, the room filled with excitement as they passed around utensils, looked closely at the ingredients, and guessed what we might make together.\r\n\r\nWe often say, \"Cooking is a science, and food is the science of family and culture.\" These new materials are helping us bring that idea to life in a truly cross-curricular way. For our very first project, we made frybread, using the recipe from Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story. Through this activity, students engaged in social studies by learning about Native American culture and traditions, while also diving into science as we explored yeast and how it makes dough rise. Measuring, mixing, and observing their dough transform gave them hands-on practice with math and scientific thinking, while the story connected those experiences to history and culture.\r\n\r\nAnd this is just the beginning! We have so many lessons planned to use these materials — from making pancakes in unique shapes during our Shapes + Grocery Store unit, to cooking latkes as part of our Seasonal Celebrations unit, and more. Each project will give students opportunities to learn through story, science, math, and culture while also creating joyful memories together.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, cooking has become a meaningful, cross-curricular experience that will continue to shape my students' learning all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1746480756195,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-curiosity-learning-through-f/9304551/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Curiosity: Learning Through Food","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579291_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744606959280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wonderyears-berry"},{"teacherId":9579291,"projectId":9382120,"letterContent":"This project has had an incredible impact on our preschoolers by opening the door to a new language during one of the most critical times in their development. At this young age, children's brains are especially receptive to learning multiple languages, and introducing Spanish has not only supported their communication skills but also strengthened their memory, problem-solving, and ability to make connections across subjects.\r\n\r\nMy students love to read – and with this project, that love has grown to include Spanish! Thanks to the Spanish books we received, we've been able to combine our joy for stories with learning a new language. The children are excited to explore familiar routines, characters, and themes in Spanish, and they are so proud when they recognize and use new words. This project has sparked curiosity, built confidence, and created joyful moments of discovery that will stay with them as they continue their learning journey.\r\n\r\nTo celebrate, we use our maracas – shaking them joyfully each time we learn a new word! This simple routine has made learning Spanish fun, musical, and memorable, and it has sparked curiosity, built confidence, and created joyful moments of discovery that will stay with them as they continue their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1749159572097,"projectUrl":"project/vamos-a-aprender-espaol-lets-learn/9382120/","projectTitle":"¡Vamos a Aprender Español! (Let's Learn Spanish!)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579291_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744606959280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wonderyears-berry"},{"teacherId":9579291,"projectId":9219390,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when they first saw the new materials! Every student now has their own supply box with crayons (including one that reflects their skin tone), two pencils, an Expo marker, a glue stick, their own playdough—helping limit the spread of germs—and a name-trace dry erase pouch. We even name each student's glue stick to encourage them to take care of their supplies and be responsible for their own learning tools.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll use the materials for collaborative art and writing projects, helping students practice teamwork, follow directions, and build skills in literacy, math, and fine motor development. Your generosity has made our classroom a space where every child feels prepared, safe, and inspired to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1746785840707,"projectUrl":"project/pre-k-ready-supplies-for-a-strong-start/9219390/","projectTitle":"Pre-K Ready: Supplies for a Strong Start","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579291_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744606959280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wonderyears-berry"},{"teacherId":9579291,"projectId":9256091,"letterContent":"When my students came to Meet the Teacher, their new seat sacks were already waiting for them on their chairs. It was so fun watching them light up as they picked their seat and discovered that they each had their very own space to store books, papers, and supplies. That first moment of ownership carried over into the school year—students feel proud to have a place that's just for them, and it's helped them stay more organized and independent.\r\n\r\nThe cushions have also been a huge hit, especially during our DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) Days. Students love being able to grab a cushion and choose a cozy spot around the room to settle in with a book. It's given them freedom and comfort during reading time, and I've noticed they stay more engaged and focused because of it.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom feels more welcoming, organized, and student-centered. These resources have given my young learners confidence, responsibility, and a sense of ownership over their learning. We are so thankful for your support in making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746785531345,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-care-organizing-our-learning/9256091/","projectTitle":"Comfort & Care: Organizing Our Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579291_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744606959280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wonderyears-berry"},{"teacherId":9579291,"projectId":9256087,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! While the school year hasn't started yet, I'm excited to introduce the framed display and storage for student artwork in our classroom. These frames will not only showcase each child's creations with pride but also provide a safe place to store their art, helping keep their work organized and protected.\r\n\r\nI know that when my students first see their artwork beautifully displayed and stored, they will feel a strong sense of accomplishment and ownership. This will encourage their creativity and confidence as they continue to explore and express themselves through art throughout the year.\r\n\r\nI can't wait to have an entire packet of keepsake art to give families at the end of the year! Again, thank you so much for supporting my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746785509571,"projectUrl":"project/framing-creativity-showcasing-student-a/9256087/","projectTitle":"Framing Creativity: Showcasing Student Art in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579291_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744606959280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wonderyears-berry"},{"teacherId":9579291,"projectId":9256074,"letterContent":"Our new mats and storage racks are ready and waiting to welcome students when school begins! Since many of my students are just starting their first school experience, these resources will immediately help create a calm, organized space where they can rest and recharge each day. Even though they haven't used them yet, I'm excited to see how having a dedicated, cozy spot will support their ability to focus and engage in learning throughout the day.\r\n\r\nAs we begin the year, we'll build routines around rest and self-regulation, helping students understand the importance of taking breaks to support their learning and well-being. These mats are the perfect foundation for quiet time, and I'm eager to take the next step with my upcoming project, Tie, Snuggle, Learn: Pillows for Little Learners. This project will provide personalized fleece tie pillows to make rest time even more comforting and special for each child, further supporting their ability to relax and return to learning refreshed.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources will help create a nurturing classroom environment where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1746786504335,"projectUrl":"project/making-room-for-rest-mats-racks-for-l/9256074/","projectTitle":"Making Room for Rest: Mats & Racks for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579291_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744606959280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wonderyears-berry"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_94137","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":163,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":67,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"4.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":92.3,"schoolId":94137,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Shady Dell Early Child Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Shady Dell Early Child Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/springfield-school-district-r12/shady-dell-early-child-center/94137"}
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Join the 26 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Shady Dell Early Child Center is
an urban public school
in Springfield, Missouri that is part of Springfield School District R12.
It serves 163 students
in grades Pre-K - Pre-K with a student/teacher ratio of 4.7:1.
Its teachers have had 12 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
16%
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.
Shady Dell Early Child Center Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Shady Dell Early Child Center
$5,809
raised using DonorsChoose
12
projects
funded
3
teachers
funded
26
donors
2
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Shady Dell Early Child Center has received support from
24 individuals from Missouri and
2 individuals out-of-state.