Comprehensive Guide To Free Resources And Materials For Preschool Teachers

Preschool educators have access to numerous free resources and materials that can enhance their classroom environments and support early childhood development. From classroom supplies to educational resources, museum admissions to software programs, teachers can obtain valuable items at no cost through various programs, offers, and initiatives. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies available specifically for preschool teachers, based on verified sources and current offers.

Classroom Supplies and Materials

Teachers seeking to stock their classrooms without stretching their personal budgets can take advantage of several programs offering free physical materials. These resources help create engaging learning environments while reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

The Adopt a Classroom program assists educators in obtaining necessary school supplies throughout the year. Teachers can register their classrooms and receive support in collecting materials needed for daily operations. This program is particularly valuable for preschool settings where consumable supplies are frequently needed.

Crayola offers a free Colors of the World Crayons Classroom Kit specifically designed for educators. This kit provides diverse skin-toned crayons that help children create more inclusive artwork and learn about cultural diversity. Such resources align with many preschool curricula focused on social-emotional development and cultural awareness.

Art teachers can request complimentary care packages containing 25 ABT PRO Alcohol-Based Markers. These specialized art supplies enable preschool educators to implement quality art experiences that develop fine motor skills and creative expression in young children.

For classroom organization and management, Sit Spots offers complementary samples of their floor markers. These visual aids help teachers with spacing when children are sitting on the floor or waiting in line, establishing clear expectations and routines that are particularly important in preschool settings.

Teachers can also receive boxes of plastic rulers for use with their students. While rulers may not be immediately applicable to all preschool activities, they can serve as tools for measurement activities, counting practice, or even as manipulatives for sorting and classifying exercises.

The Hot Wheels Classroom Kit is available annually in September to select certified educators, including those teaching kindergarten and preschool. These kits include up to 40 cars and tracks, plus pre-made lesson plans that teach physics concepts in simple terms appropriate for young learners. Such materials support STEM education in early childhood settings through play-based learning.

RentACalc.com provides free ruler sets for every student in a teacher's class, ensuring that basic learning materials are accessible without financial burden. Similarly, free pencils and erasers are available to address the constant need for writing implements in preschool classrooms, where children are developing fine motor skills and beginning writing readiness.

Treasures 4 Teachers offers educators in the Phoenix metro area access to low-cost or free school supplies through membership options. Educators can choose between a $35 annual membership or a $10 daily pass to access materials, making this a flexible resource for teachers in that region.

Educational Resources and Lesson Plans

Beyond physical supplies, preschool teachers can access a wealth of free educational materials and lesson planning resources from various reputable sources. These resources support curriculum development and implementation without additional costs.

Teachers Pay Teachers offers thousands of free printables, activities, worksheets, and lesson plans suitable for preschool education. The platform provides developmentally appropriate materials across various domains including literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning. Specific resources mentioned include:

• Free play calendars designed for toddlers (18-36 months) and preschoolers (3-4 years) that require little to no materials or printing
• Penguin craft activities that combine fine motor practice, creativity, and sensory play
• Sample activities based on "The Mitten" book by Jan Brett, including worksheets for first sound recognition, counting by tens, missing numbers, number recognition, and sequencing

Scholastic provides extensive free resources for early childhood educators. Teachers can access lesson plans, teaching ideas, and classroom materials through Scholastic's various offerings. Additionally, several free magazines are available through Scholastic, including:

• My Big World
• Let's Find Out
• Scholastic News
• StoryWorks
• DynaMath
• SuperScience
• Scholastic Art

These publications offer age-appropriate content that can be integrated into preschool curriculum units or used as supplementary materials.

National Geographic provides free supplies for science and history classes, including maps and wall art that can enhance preschool learning environments. These resources support early exploration of the natural world and cultural awareness.

Crayola offers free coloring sheets and activities through their Goodies program. These materials can be used to support various learning domains in preschool settings, from fine motor development to color recognition and creative expression.

Sesame Street Learning Resources are available free of charge, providing access to activities, online learning courses, and materials featuring beloved characters that engage young learners. These resources support early literacy, math skills, and social-emotional development.

A Preschool Scope & Sequence Planning Guide is available as a free, visual curriculum map that helps teachers plan thematic units and centers appropriate for preschool and Pre-K students. This detailed planning tool includes hyperlinked activities and resources to support implementation.

Free dinosaur preschool worksheet samples offer collections of no-prep worksheets and games focusing on early academic skills like counting from 1-10 and letter recognition. These materials are particularly valuable for busy educators seeking ready-to-use activities.

Election-themed language units provide interactive books addressing verbs, prepositions, and same/different concepts, along with WH-question cards and play-doh mats. These resources introduce foundational social studies concepts in age-appropriate ways.

Free Admission to Museums and Educational Venues

Many museums and educational institutions offer free admission to teachers, providing opportunities for professional development, field trip planning, or personal enrichment. These free admissions can help preschool teachers become familiar with potential destinations for class visits.

The Philadelphia Zoo offers free Teacher Pass to certified educators, providing opportunities to explore animal exhibits and educational resources that could enhance science curriculum units.

Boston Children's Museum provides free admission to active New England teachers in grades K-8 with valid School ID. This offer is available year-round throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine.

Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh offers free admission once per year to teachers from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, and Maryland. Educators from preschool through 12th grade can register online and bring their confirmation email and educator ID for entry.

The Field Museum of Chicago provides free admission to educators who present a valid School ID, allowing teachers to explore natural history exhibits and educational resources.

The New England Aquarium offers free admission to current K-12 teachers, along with discounted IMAX admission and 10% off purchases at the gift shop and cafe. Teachers can join the Teacher Pass Program with valid School ID to access these benefits.

Colonial Williamsburg offers discounted rates on general admission tickets for teachers, which can be redeemed at the walk-up ticket window. This historic site provides valuable resources for social studies curriculum.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

Several grant programs and funding opportunities exist specifically to support preschool teachers in obtaining necessary materials and implementing educational projects.

Arizona Public Service's Supply My Class program offers teachers a chance to receive a $500 virtual gift card to purchase classroom supplies. Teachers must apply by August 11, 2025, to be considered for this funding.

STEM Teacher Grants, offered through Phoenix Suns Charities and Arizona Public Service, provide up to $2,500 for K-12 public and charter school teachers in APS's service territory. A total of $50,000 is available for classroom projects occurring from January through May, with applications open September 1-30, 2025.

Little Sleepies offers $1,000 worth of Amazon Wishlist items to 10 deserving teachers to help keep their classrooms stocked. Nominations are accepted until August 15, with winners announced on August 20.

Teach For America provides a list of discounts at retailers nationwide, including educational supply stores and other businesses that offer classroom materials. While not directly providing free items, these discounts can significantly reduce expenses for preschool teachers.

Software and Digital Resources

Preschool teachers can access various free software and digital resources to enhance their teaching practices and classroom experiences.

Microsoft offers free software to educators, which may include productivity tools and educational applications that can support administrative tasks and classroom activities.

Free Math Facts Songs & Activities are available online, featuring 15 songs, 12 coloring pages, and 8 activity sheets focused on mathematics. These resources can be particularly helpful for students struggling with math concepts in the preschool or early elementary years.

Teaching Tolerance provides free film kits for use in K-12 schools, including preschool settings. Current available films include "An Outrage," "Viva La Causa," "Starting Small," "Selma Bridge to the Ballot," "One Survivor Remembers," and "Mighty Times The Children's March." These resources support social-emotional learning and diversity education.

Free Personal Care and Health Items

Several companies provide free personal care and health items that teachers can use in their classrooms or distribute to students.

Colgate offers complimentary toothpaste and toothbrush kits for up to 25 kindergartners or first graders, supporting oral health education in early childhood settings.

Lysol provides complimentary Welcome Back Packs to encourage good hygiene practices in classrooms. These packages contain materials that help teachers implement health and safety routines in preschool environments.

Conclusion

Preschool teachers have access to numerous free resources and materials that can support their educational efforts and reduce personal financial burdens. From classroom supplies and educational resources to museum admissions and software programs, these freebies help create engaging learning environments for young children.

Key categories of available resources include: - Physical classroom supplies (crayons, markers, rulers, art materials) - Educational publications and lesson planning resources - Free admission to museums and educational venues - Grant opportunities and funding programs - Software and digital teaching tools - Personal care and health items

Teachers should regularly check eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and availability dates, as these factors may affect access to certain resources. By taking advantage of these free offerings, preschool educators can enhance their teaching practices while managing classroom expenses more effectively.

Sources

1. Two Kids and a Coupon - Free Stuff for Teachers by Mail
2. Teachers Pay Teachers - Free Preschool Materials
3. Passion for Savings - Free Stuff for Teachers
4. ABC15 - Freebies, Discounts and Supply Drives for Teachers
5. Fun Cheap or Free - Legit Free Things for Teachers
6. Money Pantry - Free Stuff for Teachers