5.2.4.1
Therapeutic Classroom
Therapeutic Classroom
Therapeutic classroom materials are specialized tools and resources designed to support the sensory, emotional, physical, and behavioral development of young children. These materials help create a classroom environment that is responsive to individual needs, particularly for children who may have difficulties with self-regulation, sensory processing, or social-emotional development. Education Staff are to use these materials as needed and have them available for children as they need them to help promote a calm environment that supports children’s regulatory system.
They are not just for children with identified special needs, they benefit all children by fostering a calm, supportive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. It’s important the children are taught how to use these materials which benefits prevention of challenging behaviors.
There are two sets of Therapeutic classroom materials; one is appropriate for Early Head Start, and the other is appropriate for Head Start Preschool Classrooms. It is the responsibility of the Teacher and/or Primary Caregiver to ensure that their classroom is equipped with all therapeutic materials. Not all materials must be in the classroom at the same time. Materials should be introduced to children prior to adding them to the environment.
Types of Therapeutic Classroom Materials
Below are examples of materials that can be used in the classroom and their function. Refer to the inventory list in the resources section of this SOP for more details. Classroom staff have options to use the provided examples on the materials list or choose an item from a preferred vendor. For example, a Teacher may choose different chewy toy as long as they meet the age requirement. Therapeutic materials can be grouped into several categories, depending on the needs they address:
- Sensory Tools- materials help regulate sensory input, which can reduce overstimulation or under-stimulation, often linked to behavioral challenges.
- Fidget items (e.g., stress balls, textured toys)
- Weighted objects like blankets or stuffed animals
- Sensory bins with materials like sand, rice, or water
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Calming and Self-Regulation Materials– support emotional regulation and provide strategies for children to manage strong feelings and stress.
- Calm-down bottles
- Visual calm-down charts or choice boards
- Breathing Visuals/Social Stories or pinwheels
- Soft seating/alternative seating (wobble cushions, peanut ball, risers)
- Weighted blankets and vests
- Quiet area
- Gliders
- Chewing toys
- Motor and Movement Supports- materials help with body awareness and motor development, offering children ways to release energy constructively.
- Therapy balls
- Stretch bands or resistance bands
- Drums
- Body Socks
- Social Emotional Learning Materials – support social-emotional development by helping children identify and express feelings.
- Emotion dolls like weighted stuffed animals
- Feelings posters or emotion wheels
- Books about emotions and coping
- Quiet Area
Why are they important?
When children feel safe and regulated, they are better able to engage in learning and social interaction.
Therapeutic materials help:
- Promote self-regulation and independence
- Reduce challenging behaviors
- Improve focus and participation
- Support inclusive practices
- Create trauma-informed environments
Implementation Tips for Classrooms
- Integrate materials into daily routines, not just as a response to dysregulation.
- Offer choices to empower children to use the tools that work for them.
- Model appropriate use and guide children in recognizing when they might need support.
- Ensure materials are developmentally appropriate, safe, and accessible.
Please reach out to the Disabilities and Mental Health Department if you have questions regarding any of the materials.
Resources