It’s Not Too Late to Give

For over a year, the pre-kindergarten students in Mr. Lopez’s classroom at Noble Avenue Elementary School in North Hills had been without computers to access the Internet. He worried how to instruct the children of the 21st century without 21st century technology.

At Mrs. Amico’s kindergarten/transitional kindergarten class in Calabasas, the lack of hands-on engaging materials was creating a difficult transition to the new Common Core math standards.

And in Mrs. K’s classroom at Roscomare Road Elementary School in Los Angeles, the transitional kindergarteners were in need of a dramatic play area to practice new language and social skills.

The solution to all these different dilemmas came in the same form: a matching 50 percent donation from First 5 LA, which partnered with DonorsChoose.org in a Double Your Impact offer.

“Many early childhood teachers spend their own money purchasing much-needed, developmentally appropriate materials for their classrooms” – Jennifer Cowan

The result: Mr. Lopez received enough computer tablets for a group of seven students at a time; Mrs. Amico received foam numbers and a real cash register; and Mrs. K received a dramatic play tree house, complete with furniture and play people.

“Many early childhood teachers spend their own money purchasing much-needed, developmentally appropriate materials for their classrooms,” said Jennifer Cowan, Community Investments program officer at First 5 LA.

So far this year, First 5 LA has donated nearly $100,000 to 283 qualifying projects, benefiting more than 7,700 students. And there are funds remaining to be donated.

“Approximately $15,000 in First 5 LA funds is still available and will be matched as individual donations are made through the DonorsChoose.org site. Funds raised will be used to purchase educational classroom materials for public preschool and transitional kindergarten teachers in Los Angeles County,” Cowan added.

If you’re a full-time, public school Pre-K or TK teacher in L.A. County, you’re eligible to be considered for this funding. Click here to get started.

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