OT-- need help from daycare/pre-K teachers

[poohfriend77]

I'm a technical writer working on a piece (aimed at HS students in child dev./ career tech courses) titled "Explore Various Methods of Obtaining Resources and Supplies."

I've done research on the obvious methods: buying items as budget allows, seeking donations from businesses, asking families for donations (clothing for dress-up, books, toys), "freebies" such as wallpaper/carpet samples, cardboard boxes, recyclables for art projects, etc.

Any other "teacher secrets"? Thanks!

 

[daisyduck123]

1st grade teacher here

Garage sales every Saturday....I get tons of stuff. Some examples:

books (I've got over 400 in my classroom library)
games
flashcards
puzzles

 

[MSSANDRA]

I have gotten a lot of stuff off the freebie board here on the Disboards.

Ask parents if they work somewhere that may help. Rolls of newsprint from a parent that worked for the paper was great. Scrap computer paper from food lion office, babyfood food jars from a home daycare mom and snacks from a grocery buyer that got a lot of samples are a few from this year.

 

[zoemurr]

donates a lot to teachers: paper bags and styrofoam trays mainly, just for the asking. (Wegmans)

I guess my main tip would be "it never hurts to ask". Just do it politely.

I also get a lot of stuff at garage sales.

 

[taylor5]

I am a pre-k aide & in our weekly newsletter to the parents, we will sometimes include a "wish" list (usually no more than 2-3 items) of things we need in our classroom.

Almost always, a parent or grandparent is more than willing to donate needed items & usually add a few extras to the bag. We have found that a lot of times, the grandparents of the child ABSOLUTELY LOVE helping out. They often say that they wish there was more for them to do or to call anytime we need help.

We've even had some grandparents (and parents) send extra money for book fairs, field trips, special events in case there was someone in our class who was in need (anonymously of course). BTW, we are not a wealthy school district, just a small town with lots of friendly faces.

 

[GoinToDisney]

Being creative and making your own stuff helps. I needed some games for centers and one I made out of the plates and spoons left over from lunch. Kids had to match the spoon with the right letter to the plate with the pick that started with that letter. Saved a lot by using the kid's work for bulletin boards and cutting out my own letters (even if they weren't perfect) rather than buying the pre-made materials.

 

[Britgirlus]

I am a childcare provider. There are tons of resources online - if you have access to a computer, and a printer, the sky's the limit for free printables and ideas. One of my favorite sites is www.MakinglearningFun.com - there are SO many ideas on just this (free) site alone.

 

[Monny2AE]

I'm a former elementary teacher and now a family child care provider. Yard sales/consignment stores/dollar stores are a must if you're on a budget. Scholastic also has warehouse sales that are great. Here's the site to see if there is one near you http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/events/warehouse/
I also live near a Book Cellar Outlet Store- great CHEAP books! Here's there locations https://bookcellarsales.com/index.php?main_page=page_2

I'm also a big fan of recycled art/cheap art. It's amazing what you can make from paper towel tubes, tissue paper, cupcake liners, etc. Children are naturally creative so you need don't expensive games and materials. I make most of my learning games, file folder games, theme boxes, etc. I also save by buying art supplies like tempura paint in bulk.

 

[flipflopmom]

There are also a lot of grants out there. I get two or three every year! Google searches are great!

Word of mouth is great. If you visit a yard sale, tell the people you would like anything child oriented they don't sell. Lots of people donate to Goodwill after a sale, don't mind at all. If there are community arts and crafts groups, they save scraps from projects for us. They are also an invaluable resource to come in and do projects, and will often bring all the supplies, materials. Finding out the resources in the community and getting in touch with them is a must!

 

[poohfriend77]

Thanks for all the responses! You gave me some great info.

 

[averysmom]

Our preschool asks at Christmas instead of gifts for them (the teachers), if parents would like to buy a gift, to donate a set amount (I think it was 8.00 this year) and they would "bulk purchase" items off a wish list.

When I taught kindy, the kindergarten teachers in the district would "trade" toys, units, etc. This does have it's downfalls - I lost some stuff over the years, but in the end, it was worth it since I had the opportunity to use supplies that I wouldn't get to use otherwise.

 

[emcreative]

Check yahoogroups for a "freecycle" group in your area. You'll get emails daily of items people are no longer using and would like to pass on. You'll be AMAZED the stuff that is available! (and of course, FREE!)