{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKnight Child Development Center","outOfStateSupporters":41.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8432834,"projectId":9295675,"letterContent":"This project had a meaningful and immediate impact on my students as they prepare for Kindergarten. The new literacy materials brought a level of excitement and engagement that transformed the way they explored letters, sounds, and early reading skills. Students who were previously hesitant with letter recognition became more confident as they interacted with hands-on tools that made learning feel like play.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, my class was able to practice identifying letters, matching sounds, and forming words in ways that felt natural and fun. The materials encouraged curiosity, independence, and repeated practice—key factors in building a strong early literacy foundation. I saw students eagerly choosing literacy activities during centers, proudly sharing letters they recognized, and using the tools to teach one another.\r\n\r\nThese additions didn't just support letter learning—they helped deepen my students' love for literacy. The project enriched our daily instruction, strengthened their understanding of the alphabet, and made learning more accessible for a wide range of learners. Because of these materials, my students are better prepared, more confident, and genuinely excited for the reading journey ahead.","fullyFundedDate":1746785816494,"projectUrl":"project/the-power-of-a-to-z/9295675/","projectTitle":"The Power of A to Z","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8432834_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651166290959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/learningllamas"},{"teacherId":8802434,"projectId":9608849,"letterContent":"You definitely made my night when I opened up my donor choose and read where my Little Picasso's project was funded. I am a teacher who had a horrible teaching year last year so this will definitely make me want to stay teaching for a while . I am so honored that out of all of the projects that Dale Jr Foundation made my students and even my co workers day that this project was funded . \r\nI can't wait for them to color more Turkeys with these markers and even glue some feathers down tomorrow before we hey out for Thanksgiving break. We will also be using these crayons to start Christmas crafts really soon. So thank you again for finding this project.","fullyFundedDate":1763149898737,"projectUrl":"project/little-picassos/9608849/","projectTitle":"Little Picasso’s","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauren Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8802434_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667848957906","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8802434"},{"teacherId":8248117,"projectId":6384894,"letterContent":"Thanks to your donation and support to my project many children have benefit from learning about gardening. They loved watching the process of germination to actually harvesting carrots and onions. They were so engaged and participated with daily logs.\r\n\r\nTo you, PNC Grow Up Great®, THANK YOU, for believing in my project you have made a change for many children and impacted their learning experience. The children had an experience that they will never forget. Planting seeds and harvesting while they were taking care of the plants was a great responsibility but also an amazing learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1650748162731,"projectUrl":"project/lets-watch-our-vegetable-garden-grow/6384894/","projectTitle":"Let's Watch Our Vegetable Garden Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Velarde","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8248117_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639873120828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8248117"},{"teacherId":5367049,"projectId":5387753,"letterContent":"The children in my class loved being able to play \"dress up\" and use the materials as they dreamed of becoming a pilot, or a fire fighter, or a chef. The clothing wardrobe makes it so easy for children to access the things to try on, as well as putting it away. \r\nIndependence is such a big blossoming skill for 3 and 4 year olds and having things that are just their size for shoes, accessories, hats and more helps them to fell just that; independent.\r\nAnd a look in the mirror is a must for all new outfits. \r\nWe really appreciate all you did to make this happen.","fullyFundedDate":1618228700092,"projectUrl":"project/lets-pretend/5387753/","projectTitle":"Let's Pretend","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Durgin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5367049_orig.jpg?crop=1177,1177,x169,y812&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764781933816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5367049"},{"teacherId":5367049,"projectId":5339093,"letterContent":"The students in my class are so intrigued by the light table and because it is high interest activity, it is sure to peak the interest of even reluctant learners. \r\nStudents have started finding ways to include all kinds of learning materials. When studying pets, children used xray photos on the light table as they turned the dramatic play area into a veteranians office. \r\nAfter a nature walk, children wanted to display materials found outside on the light table. \r\nChildren have also used the space as a vertical building space using magnetic tiles to build various structures. \r\nThe light table has been a great addition to our classroom and science center.","fullyFundedDate":1609298661559,"projectUrl":"project/a-colorful-light-table-for-pre-k-sensory/5339093/","projectTitle":"A Colorful Light Table for Pre K Sensory Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Durgin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5367049_orig.jpg?crop=1177,1177,x169,y812&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764781933816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5367049"},{"teacherId":5367049,"projectId":5325101,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to our classroom project for stem materials. The children absolutely love building the sets that tie in to our themes of study. The pet store has such interesting animals and moving parts, that the children are engaged for long periods building it just the way they want it for their \"pets\". \r\nWhen the materials arrived the children were most interested in the boxes and the pictures. They were helpers in unpacking each set and discovering all of the pieces and questioning what each piece does and how it connects to the others. \r\nChildren began to work together and naturally share the task fo building the set together. Conversations were heard about their plans and how they wanted to make it work..This was such amazing accomplisments for 3 and 4 year olds! \r\nEach time the study changes, it is so fun to swap out the materials and bring out a new set that is interesting and exciting and tied directly to learning and building, creativity and stem learning.","fullyFundedDate":1607991153655,"projectUrl":"project/stem-building-materials-for-prek/5325101/","projectTitle":"STEM Building Materials for PreK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Durgin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5367049_orig.jpg?crop=1177,1177,x169,y812&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764781933816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5367049"},{"teacherId":6799683,"projectId":9263057,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible support, our classroom is now bursting with colorful, hands-on tools that inspire creativity, learning, and self-expression! With the new markers, colored pencils, dry erase markers, whiteboards, doodle tablets, and bilingual books, my students are more engaged than ever in art, writing, and early literacy activities.\r\nMany of our donors use technology at home, but in our preschool, these tools become more than just \"gadgets.\" The LCD writing tablets, dry erase boards, and mini whiteboards allow students to practice drawing, letter formation, and fine motor skills in a fun, interactive way. They can create, erase, and try again without waste, which builds confidence and encourages experimentation.\r\nThe materials that excite my students the most are the bright markers and colored pencils—they love that they are the perfect size for their little hands, creating art projects, and sharing their work with friends. Even the bilingual Mr. Panda books have become a favorite, as students who only speak Spanish are able to engage in the story as well! I wish you could see their faces when they hear a story in their language! \r\nYour generosity has truly transformed our classroom into a vibrant, creative learning space where every child can explore, create, and grow. Thank you for helping us make learning colorful, joyful, and engaging!","fullyFundedDate":1746787202494,"projectUrl":"project/write-beginnings/9263057/","projectTitle":"Write Beginnings!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vanneza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6799683_orig.jpg?crop=2116,2116,x745,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619635938262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vanneza"},{"teacherId":6799683,"projectId":9114890,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been filled with new tools that are helping my preschoolers grow their literacy and fine motor skills in exciting ways! Many of our donors use technology at home, but you might not see how it can support early learning in a preschool classroom. The $100 gift card allowed us to purchase an Alphabet Writing Center visual set, alphabet bracelets, and alphabet punching cards to name a few, which are helping students practice letter recognition, tracing, and early writing in a hands-on, engaging way.\r\nWhat excites my students the most is how fun and interactive these materials are. They love using the bracelets to \"wear\" their letters, punching out the cards, and following the visuals at the writing center. These activities make learning letters feel like play, and students are more confident when exploring literacy independently or with a friend.\r\nEven students who were hesitant to write or verbally recognize letters have warmed to these new materials. For example, one student who usually avoids writing now eagerly traces letters and shows off their punching cards to the class. Seeing their confidence and excitement grow has been incredible.\r\nIn addition, the Colorations Glue Jar Set and EXPO Wet-Erase Markers have been wonderful additions for crafting and writing activities, giving students more opportunities to practice fine motor skills while expressing creativity.\r\nThank you for supporting our classroom. Your generosity has made learning letters, writing, and creating a joyful, hands-on experience that my students will carry with them throughout the year!","fullyFundedDate":1745846977309,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-math-literacy/9114890/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning: Math & Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vanneza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6799683_orig.jpg?crop=2116,2116,x745,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619635938262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vanneza"},{"teacherId":10012792,"projectId":9316184,"letterContent":"The circle time anchor chart has been a huge success for my students. Students were very curious about what entered their circle time space. This anchor chart has allowed students to fully immerse themselves in what circle time is all about. Throughout the day students will go over to the chart and recall some of the information. For my nonverbal students this is a huge accomplishment. \r\n\r\nThe shapes puzzle has been a student favorite since it entered the classroom! Students have even been willing to complete the puzzle with a friend. This has really helped support my students and their ability to engage with their peers.\r\n\r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1746545081065,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-tools-for-little-learners-with/9316184/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Tools for Little Learners with Big Potential!!!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronika","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10012792_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y110&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746445136513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10012792"},{"teacherId":8248117,"projectId":7460099,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping me create a calm, inviting, and safe classroom for my preschoolers. Your kindness has made it possible to design a space where children feel comfortable, welcomed, and ready to learn. Every decoration and detail you made possible helps set the tone for a positive environment where little ones can grow, explore, and thrive. I am truly grateful for your contribution and belief in my students. I greatly appreciate it and in the future I hope you will keep helping me help my students. Thank you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1687807942956,"projectUrl":"project/a-welcoming-and-engaging-classroom-for-a/7460099/","projectTitle":"A Welcoming And Engaging Classroom For A Great Start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Velarde","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8248117_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639873120828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8248117"},{"teacherId":8432834,"projectId":9213297,"letterContent":"This project made a tremendous impact on my students. The new block center materials immediately reignited their excitement for learning and creativity. Students who had previously lost interest in the block area were suddenly engaged again—building, experimenting, problem-solving, and working together with renewed enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThe variety of materials encouraged rich, open-ended play and allowed children to express their ideas in new ways. I saw students collaborating more, communicating their plans, and taking pride in the structures they created. Their play became more purposeful, more imaginative, and more inclusive as they explored materials that reflected diverse homes, communities, and perspectives.\r\n\r\nWith these additions, the block center has become one of the most active and joyful spaces in our classroom. Students are more motivated, more focused, and more confident in their ability to create and explore. This project didn't just add materials—it transformed their play, strengthened their learning, and gave them opportunities to grow in ways that weren't possible before.","fullyFundedDate":1746786091361,"projectUrl":"project/blockbusting-change/9213297/","projectTitle":"'BLOCK'busting Change","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8432834_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651166290959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/learningllamas"},{"teacherId":8248117,"projectId":7476787,"letterContent":"I can't find the words to properly thank you and tell you how important your support was for my students now and the ones to come. Having a book in their hands and following a long with the story is an amazing experience they will never forget. \r\nChildren learned how to turn pages, where to start reading, the difference between a letter, a word, a sentence and a paragraph. They learned to use their imagination to go beyond the classroom and actually live the stories and make ideas of their own by anticipating, recaling and connecting the story sequence. Thank you so much for your generosity it will forever be cherished and appreciated it.","fullyFundedDate":1688658498201,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-world-one-book-at-a-time/7476787/","projectTitle":"Exploring the World One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Velarde","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8248117_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639873120828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8248117"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28296","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":185,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":58.4,"schoolId":28296,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKnight Child Development Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKnight Child Development Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/kannapolis-city-school-district/mcknight-child-devlopement-ctr/28296"}