Never buy a puzzle again! The Resource Center's most popular items are puzzles and games that families can use and then return, rather than filling up their closets with cast off items.

Services for Members and non-Members

Members of the Educational Resource Center of Santa Cruz have access to the broadest range of service for the best value. Membership to the Educational Resource Center can be purchased for three months, six months, or one year membership. Membership provides:

• unlimited access to our resource lending library,
• at cost lamination, binding, and copying,
• unlimited access to our die cut machine,
• free and reduced cost classes and workshops,
• individual consultation during visits.

Other services are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Learn more about all of our services:

• Our lending library,
• a la carte services for members and non-members,
• support for homeschooling families.

About our Lending Library

The lending library gives families and educators access to seldom used but valuable learning materials such as microscopes and puzzles for a fraction of the cost of purchasing such items. In addition, members can "test drive" learning materials they may wish to purchase for long term use from a store or catalog without having to spend the money to purchase the item first.

Some of the types of items in our library are:

• Preschool toys
• Board games for all ages and subject areas
• Puzzles of three to over a thousand pieces
• Construction toys
• Electronic learning toys
• Foreign language learning materials
• Beginning readers and study materials
• Activity kits for picture books
• Math manipulatives such as Unifix cubes, base ten blocks, and Cuisenaire rods
• Microscopes and tabletop magnifiers
• Unit study guides for science and social studies
• Kits of manipulatives, text materials, and reproducibles
• Waldorf curriculum guides
• Assessment tools
• Teacher resource books for all subject areas

Parents are encouraged to bring their children to play while the parents speak to Heddi and browse the materials. Parents can then check out items that their children are drawn to.

A la Carte Services

Membership is not required to access the services offered by the Educational Resource Center. The following options are available a la carte.

Lending Library Punch Card

For those wishing only occasional access to the lending library, we offer a low cost punch card. The card never expires and is the perfect option for grandparents with visiting grandchildren or homeschoolers who want access to a limited number of materials over a long period of time. Cards can be purchased at the Resource Center.

Day Pass to the Die Cut Machine

If you wish to use the die cut machine for the day, we offer an affordable day pass which offers you unlimited access to the die cut machine for one day during our regular open hours.

Consultation Services

Private consultation is available for parents of Kindergarten through eighth grade students. We work with parents to determine the child's unique learning style and recommend learning materials and instructional techniques to support the child's educational needs. Please contact Heddi Craft at 831-818-8178 or by email at info@edcentersantacruz.com for rates and more information.

Workshops and Classes

Workshops and classes are available to non-members for a slightly higher fee.

Presentations

Heddi is available to speak to your group or organization on educational topics for a modest speaker's fee. In the past, she has spoken on topics such as school choice and learning styles. Please contact Heddi Craft at 831-818-8178 or by email at info@edcentersantacruz.com for more information.

Fundraising Opportunity

Your group can purchase a block of memberships at a discounted rate then sell them as a group fundraiser for the regular price. For more information or to arrange to make a purchase, call 818-8178 or email us.

Space for Rent

The Educational Resource Center is available for rent for your class or group meeting! Please contact Heddi Craft at 831-818-8178 or by email at info@edcentersantacruz.com for more information.

Especially for Homeschoolers

The Educational Resource Center is pleased to serve the needs of Santa Cruz County's large homeschooling community. Aside from the member benefits listed above, we provide free services especially to suit homeschooling families. Our monthly Home Schooling Support Group offers parents a supportive environment to discuss the joys and challenges of homeschooling. See our Classes page for details.

The Resource Center also hosts a free Yahoo Group so that local homeschoolers can connect by e-mail, discuss questions and concerns, announce events, and share tips. Visit our Yahoo Group page to sign up.

• For details about our prices and policies, please visit our Membership Terms and Policies page.
• To purchase a membership online using Paypal's secure servers, please visit our Membership Purchase page.