{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"ACPS Early Childhood Center","outOfStateSupporters":31.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8891798,"projectId":9750632,"letterContent":"These new book donations have given our preschool students meaningful opportunities to compare and contrast stories with similar themes, while closely examining the details that make each version unique. Through these texts and materials, students are developing early literacy skills such as identifying characters and settings, understanding story structure, and practicing sequencing by recognizing the beginning, middle, and end of a story.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is highly interactive and hands-on. Students often begin with a \"picture walk,\" carefully observing and describing illustrations to predict and retell the story. They also enjoy re-enacting familiar stories from memory and using props to fully immerse themselves in the reading experience. This deepens their overall comprehension and engagement.\r\n\r\nIn particular, the different versions of The Gingerbread Man have had a strong impact on our students' sequencing skills, as they love retelling the story in order and comparing how each version unfolds. We have also noticed a noticeable increase in excitement and interest in our classroom library since adding these new books, with students independently choosing to revisit and explore the stories time and time again.","fullyFundedDate":1762794550738,"projectUrl":"project/pk-3s-all-things-gingerbread/9750632/","projectTitle":"PK <3s ALL things gingerbread","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. House","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8891798"},{"teacherId":10179518,"projectId":9762009,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of the tree-themed materials. These beautiful, nature-inspired items have had a powerful impact on my students' ability to access our curriculum. The visuals, textures, and hands-on elements immediately drew students in, helping them stay engaged during lessons that previously felt overwhelming or abstract. With the tree pieces, students have been able to sort, count, sequence, and build in ways that directly support their developmental goals. Because of your support, I've been able to create more meaningful, sensory-based learning opportunities that connect to our nature and science units. Your kindness has truly helped each child participate, learn, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1759372045441,"projectUrl":"project/trees-leaves-and-forest-friends/9762009/","projectTitle":"Trees, Leaves, and Forest Friends!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kierstin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179518_orig.jpg?crop=1022,1022,x128,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755516998633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179518"},{"teacherId":10179518,"projectId":9719018,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of the activity wall and sensory panels. Our preschoolers with special needs were instantly captivated—running their hands along the textures, spinning gears, opening doors, and exploring every inch with excitement and curiosity. These panels have already become a calming, engaging spot in our room, helping students practice fine-motor skills, sensory regulation, and independent exploration. We've seen children who often struggle to stay focused become more centered and confident as they interact with the wall. Your kindness has created a space where our students can learn, discover, and feel successful in ways that truly matter.","fullyFundedDate":1758636739662,"projectUrl":"project/safe-hands-calm-hands/9719018/","projectTitle":"Safe Hands, Calm Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kierstin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179518_orig.jpg?crop=1022,1022,x128,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755516998633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179518"},{"teacherId":10179518,"projectId":9682287,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of Montessori and developmental toys. Our preschoolers with special needs were immediately drawn to the new materials—tiny hands exploring textures, sorting shapes, and concentrating deeply in a way that brought so much joy to our classroom. These toys are already making a meaningful difference by encouraging independence, strengthening fine-motor skills, and supporting sensory regulation throughout the day. We've watched students who often struggle to engage become calmer, more focused, and more confident as they work with the materials. Your kindness has given our children new opportunities to learn through play, explore their abilities, and experience success at their own pace.","fullyFundedDate":1758129971300,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-love/9682287/","projectTitle":"Little Hands Love","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kierstin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179518_orig.jpg?crop=1022,1022,x128,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755516998633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179518"},{"teacherId":10179518,"projectId":9674530,"letterContent":"I hope you're doing well and know just how much your generosity means to our classroom. Thanks to your thoughtful gift of books, our preschoolers with special needs have been experiencing joy, curiosity, and comfort in new ways. A student who sometimes struggles with transitions, found calm while sitting with one of the new board books. \r\n\r\nSince bringing the books into our daily routine, we've seen meaningful changes in the way our students engage with language, literacy, and one another. The books have become a beloved part of our morning centers, small-group instruction, and calming areas. For many of our learners, pictures and simple text offer an accessible way to practice communication skills—pointing to objects, naming emotions, identifying colors, or mimicking actions from the story. The variety of books you provided allows each child to find something that speaks to their interests and developmental needs, whether they're drawn to interactive sensory books, sturdy board books, or simple stories that help them follow sequences. \r\n\r\nThe stories will help students build vocabulary, develop pre-literacy skills, and practice expressing their preferences—choosing favorite characters, pointing to illustrations that represent them, or sharing which stories they want us to read again. We're also planning to incorporate the books into our visual supports, sensory breaks, and social-emotional lessons. Your generosity has not only filled our shelves but also filled our classroom with comfort, imagination, and connection. Thank you for giving our students the gift of stories and the chance to grow through them.","fullyFundedDate":1757958821342,"projectUrl":"project/one-book-two-books-three-books-more/9674530/","projectTitle":"One Book, Two Books, Three Books, MORE!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kierstin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179518_orig.jpg?crop=1022,1022,x128,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755516998633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179518"},{"teacherId":10179518,"projectId":9600635,"letterContent":"I hope this note reaches you with the same warmth and kindness that you've shared with our classroom. I want to begin by saying thank you—your generosity has brought so much joy, comfort, and possibility into the lives of our preschoolers with special needs. Because of you, our classroom feels brighter, calmer, and more full of opportunities for little hands and hearts to grow.\r\n\r\nThe moment the new resources arrived, the room came alive in a way that is hard to put into words. Our students were immediately curious, their eyes wide and sparkling as they explored each item. Some children hurried over with big, excited smiles, while others approached more slowly, gently touching the textures or turning objects over in their hands before beaming with recognition. One little boy who is usually hesitant with new materials surprised us by reaching straight for them without hesitation! \r\n\r\nSince then, the resources have become a natural and meaningful part of our daily routine. During morning centers, you can find students counting colorful manipulatives, sorting shapes, or quietly focusing as they build with materials that fit perfectly in their hands. The sensory tools have already become favorites, helping students stay regulated and engaged during group time. With the support of the visual materials, even some of our shyest or most hesitant learners are beginning to participate more independently. Every day, we see small victories—hands reaching, voices trying, eyes lighting up—and your generosity is at the heart of each one.\r\n\r\nLooking forward, we use these items to support social interaction among the children. These new materials are already encouraging shared play—passing items, noticing what a friend is building, sitting side-by-side in calm engagement. We've seen early signs of connection: a shared smile, a moment of turn-taking, a gentle gesture. These small steps toward friendship and communication mean so much in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for believing in our children. Your generosity has created moments of joy, growth, and connection that we will cherish for a long time to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758137758029,"projectUrl":"project/helping-tiny-humans-make-big-moves/9600635/","projectTitle":"Helping Tiny Humans Make Big Moves","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kierstin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179518_orig.jpg?crop=1022,1022,x128,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755516998633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179518"},{"teacherId":1977981,"projectId":9839642,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporitng my classroom! My students are creative, curious, and full of energy, and your generosity helps me give them meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities. With your support, our families will have access to magnet tiles for home learning as well as wrapping supplies so each child can receive their materials as a special gift.\r\n\r\nMagnet tiles spark imagination and encourage exploration of shapes, colors, building, and early problem-solving skills. They also support fine motor development, spatial reasoning, and pretend play which are skills that are essential for young learners.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps my students learn through play, build confidence, and experience the joy of discovery. I'm truly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1763587176530,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-building-play-with-a-p/9839642/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Building: Play With a Purpose!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1977981_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1590704491877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-handel"},{"teacherId":1977981,"projectId":9807122,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our art project! With paint, paper, smocks, and sponges, my preschoolers can explore color, texture, and creativity every day. These materials help them build fine motor skills, follow directions, and express themselves freely. Smocks let them paint without worry, and sponges and paper inspire endless imagination. Your generosity gives my students the tools to learn, create, and shine with confidence! Art time is now filled with joy, laughter, and discovery. We are so grateful for your kindness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1761566792309,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-art-painting-and-crea/9807122/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Art: Painting and Creating Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1977981_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1590704491877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-handel"},{"teacherId":1977981,"projectId":9809049,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our holiday project possible! My preschoolers are going to be so excited to take home their very own car ramps and toy cars. These materials inspire imaginative play, build motor skills, and spark curiosity about how things move. Families will enjoy exploring force, gravity, and cause and effect together through fun, hands-on play. Your generosity brings learning beyond the classroom and makes this season extra special for my students! We are so grateful for your kindness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1760997198198,"projectUrl":"project/racing-into-learning-car-ramps-for-hand/9809049/","projectTitle":"Racing Into Learning: Car Ramps for Hands-On Play at Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1977981_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1590704491877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-handel"},{"teacherId":1977981,"projectId":9671664,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! The movement-themed books and crawling tunnel will bring so much joy to our classroom. My students love reading stories that get them stretching, jumping, and moving while building vocabulary and confidence. The crawl tunnel will give them a fun, calming way to strengthen their bodies and explore safely. Your generosity helps create meaningful learning experiences every day. We are so grateful for your kindness and for believing in our students' potential!","fullyFundedDate":1760636711532,"projectUrl":"project/strong-bodies-bright-minds-movement-an/9671664/","projectTitle":"Strong Bodies, Bright Minds: Movement and Literacy in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1977981_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1590704491877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-handel"},{"teacherId":1977981,"projectId":9524641,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my special needs preschool classroom! Your generosity helps me continue creating the essential visual supports, adapted books, and hands-on learning materials my students rely on every day.\r\n\r\nWith your help, I can print colorful visual schedules that build confidence and independence, as well as math and literacy materials that make learning meaningful and engaging. These resources are vital for helping my students understand routines, express themselves, and develop important early skills.\r\n\r\nYour donation of printer ink may seem small, but it has a huge impact, keeping our classroom running smoothly and ensures my students always have the tools they need to learn and grow. I am so grateful for your kindness and belief in my students' potential.","fullyFundedDate":1759529541563,"projectUrl":"project/preschoolers-need-printer-ink/9524641/","projectTitle":"Preschoolers Need Printer Ink!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1977981_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1590704491877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-handel"},{"teacherId":1977981,"projectId":9766869,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping my preschoolers explore the outdoors in every kind of weather! With a new drying station and organized storage, my students can investigate puddles, rain, and nature without worry. These materials foster independence as children learn to care for their own gear, while also supporting sensory regulation through safe exploration of new sights and sounds. Your generosity transforms rainy days into meaningful opportunities for discovery, hands-on learning, and joyful curiosity that will support their growth for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1759498533579,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-explorers-discovering-the-out/9766869/","projectTitle":"Preschool Explorers: Discovering the Outdoors, Rain or Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1977981_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1590704491877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-handel"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_126068","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":72,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":26,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":68.2,"schoolId":126068,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about ACPS Early Childhood Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"ACPS Early Childhood Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/alexandria-city-public-school-district/acps-early-childhood-center/126068"}