{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Willoughby Early Childhood Center","outOfStateSupporters":37.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7451209,"projectId":10059704,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous act for my little friends! Having their own books to keep will allow them to engage in reading activities at home and at school. Exploring books has so many advantages from building vocabulary, comprehension, reading and writing skill, and knowledge about books.\r\n\r\nSadly, many young children don't have any books at home. Thank you for seeing the value in this project. Thank you for providing high quality children 's literature for them to keep and love for many years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1770392443001,"projectUrl":"project/lola-gets-a-cat/10059704/","projectTitle":"Lola Gets a Cat","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7451209_orig.jpg?crop=1532,1532,x0,y454&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601747749309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7451209"},{"teacherId":7451209,"projectId":10059725,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind act for my little friends! Having their own Very Hungry Caterpillar book to keep will allow them to engage in reading activities at home and at school. This will go along with our butterfly life cycle unit. We will raise caterpillars, until they emerge as butterflies. Exploring books has so many advantages from building vocabulary, comprehension, reading and writing skill, and knowledge about books.\r\n\r\nSadly, many young children have no books at home. Thank you for seeing the value in this project. Thank you for providing high quality children 's literature for them to keep and love for many years!\r\n\r\nI appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1769448494014,"projectUrl":"project/munch-crunch-munch/10059725/","projectTitle":"Munch, Crunch, Munch","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7451209_orig.jpg?crop=1532,1532,x0,y454&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601747749309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7451209"},{"teacherId":7451209,"projectId":9738941,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and providing these delicious snacks for my little friends! I was so excited and I could not wait to share this information with everyone.\r\n\r\nI am beyond thrilled! My children's families will be most appreciative! My families won't have to provide snack for almost the entire month of February. Your kind act will help my little friends satisfy their hunger so they can attend to lessons, and regulate their emotions throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1768139176807,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-everyone/9738941/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Everyone!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7451209_orig.jpg?crop=1532,1532,x0,y454&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601747749309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7451209"},{"teacherId":7822880,"projectId":10009876,"letterContent":"We just finished the insect study when these books arrived. I was so happy when the books arrived so I could read it to them! The photos are so vibrant! We could see each the beautiful and colorful part!\r\n\r\nWhen they received their books, some asked me to read the title, and showed me the front cover, back cover and spine. I saw that they could turn the pages correctly! The hardcopy was easy for them to hold. They also couldn't wait to do the activities in the book but I told them to wait until they get home so they can have fun with their parents!\r\n\r\nThere is a copy of the book in our reading area that my students can read but because of you, they have their on copies at home.","fullyFundedDate":1768524342922,"projectUrl":"project/we-heart-bugs/10009876/","projectTitle":"We Heart Bugs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7822880_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618942221418","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7822880"},{"teacherId":7822880,"projectId":10009852,"letterContent":"With these books I reinforce the Concept of Print with my students. At the ages of three and four the gain an awareness of 'how print works'. The awareness includes the what books, print, and written language are, and how they function. These understandings allow the reading process to take place and the understanding that print conveys a message.\r\n\r\nI have daily read alouds at least twice a day in my classroom. Sometimes I read a book from our classroom or I find the book on the internet, mute the reader and read the book to my students. There is also a reading corner in my classroom with books that they have received and books I have already read to them.\r\n\r\nAll of them enjoyed the book and loved that it came with their very own very hungry caterpillar that they use to pretend to eat what the caterpillar in the book eats.","fullyFundedDate":1768263634734,"projectUrl":"project/growing-and-changing-like-the-very-hung/10009852/","projectTitle":"Growing and Changing Like the Very Hungry Caterpillar","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7822880_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618942221418","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7822880"},{"teacherId":10457968,"projectId":10143635,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful to our donors for providing a sensory cube for our classroom. This simple yet powerful tool has made a remarkable difference in the lives of our students, especially those with autism.\r\n\r\nThe sensory cube gives students a hands-on way to explore textures, shapes, and colors, providing calming sensory input that helps them regulate their emotions. For many of our autistic students, the sensory cube is a vital tool for managing anxiety, reducing frustration, and improving focus. By engaging with the cube, students are better able to participate in lessons, follow routines, and interact positively with peers and teachers.\r\n\r\nBeyond regulation, the sensory cube supports fine motor development, encourages creativity, and builds confidence. Students can explore independently, at their own pace, which fosters a sense of autonomy and accomplishment. It also helps create a classroom environment that feels safe, supportive, and engaging, where every student has the opportunity to thrive.\r\n\r\nYour support of tools like the sensory cube is more than a donation—it is an investment in the well-being, growth, and success of our students. Because of your generosity, our students are learning how to self-regulate, engage in meaningful activities, and develop essential skills that will benefit them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1774963818149,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-fun/10143635/","projectTitle":"Sensory Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10457968"},{"teacherId":10457968,"projectId":10166901,"letterContent":"The Impact of New Technology in Our Classroom\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful to our donors for providing a printer and laminator for our classroom. These tools may seem simple, but their impact on our students' learning and engagement is immense.\r\n\r\nWith the printer, we can create customized worksheets, visual aids, and interactive activities tailored to each student's needs. This allows us to provide personalized learning materials that support individual growth, reinforce concepts, and make learning more engaging. Students can work with materials designed specifically for their abilities, helping them feel successful and confident.\r\n\r\nThe laminator takes these resources to the next level by making them durable and reusable. Laminated materials allow students to practice multiple times without wear and tear, and they can interact with hands-on activities like matching games, sensory cards, or visual schedules. For students with autism and other special needs, these tools are particularly valuable—they support sensory learning, fine motor skills, and independent practice, while also helping students regulate and engage more effectively in the classroom.\r\n\r\nTogether, the printer and laminator make it possible to create a dynamic, interactive, and inclusive learning environment. Your support helps us provide high-quality, engaging resources that meet each student where they are and allow them to reach their full potential. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and the meaningful difference it makes in our students' everyday learning.","fullyFundedDate":1774963759318,"projectUrl":"project/technology-smart/10166901/","projectTitle":"Technology Smart","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10457968"},{"teacherId":10457968,"projectId":10133633,"letterContent":"⸻\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom now has the Stand-Up Magnetic Design Center from Lakeshore, and it has quickly become one of the most exciting and engaging spaces for our students!\r\n\r\nWe use this center daily during our rotation time, and it has opened the door to so many hands-on learning opportunities. One of our favorite moments so far was during a small group activity where students created their own pictures using magnetic shapes. Some built houses and cars, while others explored patterns and simple designs. What made it even more special was watching students use their communication devices and words to describe what they were creating—something we are always working hard to encourage!\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the magnetic center, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them were immediately drawn to it, eager to touch, explore, and create. Even students who are typically more hesitant to try new activities were engaged and willing to participate. It has truly become a motivating and inviting space for all learners.\r\n\r\nThis center is doing so much more than just encouraging creativity—it is helping our students build fine motor skills, strengthen hand-eye coordination, practice problem-solving, and engage in meaningful social interactions with their peers. We are also using it to support early math and literacy skills, like sorting by color, creating patterns, and forming letters.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to continue incorporating the magnetic center into our daily lessons by using it for structured activities like letter building, name recognition, and simple STEM challenges. We are excited to expand its use into collaborative projects where students can work together to create and share their ideas.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference in our classroom. You've helped create a space where our students feel confident, engaged, and excited to learn. Thank you for giving them this opportunity to grow and succeed! 💙","fullyFundedDate":1774288350326,"projectUrl":"project/learning-fun/10133633/","projectTitle":"Learning Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10457968"},{"teacherId":7822880,"projectId":10009967,"letterContent":"My students chose what snack they wanted after rest time. The candy that was in the packages was given to them on Friday as a special treat. Attached are pictures that show how excited they were when I opened the boxes. They were already telling me what they wanted to eat and they were trying to take the apple juice out to drink some! I told them we would have it after they wake up from nap. I had to show them where we were in the day so they will know how long they had before they could have some! I had them describe how the snacks tasted and how they felt when they were eating them. They said that they felt happy and it tasted yummy!","fullyFundedDate":1769203092925,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-to-grow/10009967/","projectTitle":"Snacks to Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7822880_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618942221418","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7822880"},{"teacherId":10351148,"projectId":9896994,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom project. Because of your support, we were able to purchase a crash pad cover that is already making a meaningful difference for our preschool students.\r\n\r\nThe crash pad is being used as a calming and regulating tool in our classroom. It provides students with a safe, comfortable space to release energy, practice deep pressure, and reset their bodies when they are feeling overwhelmed. This support is especially helpful as children learn to recognize their emotions and develop self-regulation skills in a nurturing environment.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and investment in our students' well-being. Your generosity helps create a classroom where children feel supported, safe, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of our community and for helping our students thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1764701647191,"projectUrl":"project/our-little-bodies-need-a-safe-place-to-l/9896994/","projectTitle":"Our little bodies need a safe place to land!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aimee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10351148_orig.png?crop=309,309,x16,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764727486097","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10351148"},{"teacherId":10351148,"projectId":10017106,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, my students now have access to essential supplies that make a real difference in our classroom every single day.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you provided help ensure that students are focused, comfortable, and ready to learn. The glue bottles, tape, and magnets allow us to complete hands-on projects, display student work, and engage in interactive lessons that bring learning to life. The wipes help us keep our classroom clean and healthy, creating a space where students can learn and thrive.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and belief in our students mean more than words can express. Thank you for investing in their education and for helping create a positive, supportive learning environment. My students and I are truly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1768568599191,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-essentials-for-students-and-te/10017106/","projectTitle":"Preschool Essentials for Students And Teachers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aimee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10351148_orig.png?crop=309,309,x16,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764727486097","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10351148"},{"teacherId":7822880,"projectId":9895765,"letterContent":"I gifted the book to each of my students after I read to them during whole group. While reading, I ask them a variety of open ended and close ended questions. These questions help with comprehension and vocabulary so they can better understand what is read to them. After they were gifted the book, a copy was placed in the reading area so they can read the book at school and at home. My inclusion students liked the book because there are characters that looked like them. Thank you so much for helping my students know that they belong!","fullyFundedDate":1768014302242,"projectUrl":"project/we-belong-together/9895765/","projectTitle":"We Belong Together","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7822880_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618942221418","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7822880"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34889","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":181,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":62.8,"schoolId":34889,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Willoughby Early Childhood Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Willoughby Early Childhood Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/norfolk-public-schools/willoughby-elementary-school/34889"}
Join the 180 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Willoughby Early Childhood Center is
an urban public school
in Norfolk, Virginia that is part of Norfolk Public Schools.
It serves 181 students
in grades Pre-K - Pre-K with a student/teacher ratio of 12.9:1.
Its teachers have had 240 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Willoughby Early Childhood Center
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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
62%
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.
Willoughby Early Childhood Center Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 8, 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.
Willoughby Early Childhood Center
$99,368
raised using DonorsChoose
240
projects
funded
29
teachers
funded
180
donors
20
projects
for
basic supplies
22
projects for
technology
50
projects for
books
17
projects
for
art supplies
Willoughby Early Childhood Center has received support from
113 individuals from Virginia and
67 individuals out-of-state.