Creating truly inclusive early childhood classrooms requires more than mandatory accommodations. It calls for a thoughtful approach that celebrates diverse abilities and ensures every child can thrive. As classrooms continue to diversify, we must embrace innovative furniture solutions that foster accessibility, connection, and engagement for all.
In collaboration with renowned early childhood expert Miriam Beloglovsky, Kaplan developed the Carolina Connections furniture collection to meet this need. Miriam's deep understanding of inclusive environments and our commitment to high-quality, research-backed classroom furnishings come together to form this system that fosters accessibility and a sense of belonging for all children.
Continue reading to learn more about Carolina Connections, including the various pieces of this collection and what makes it an exceptional option for early childhood classrooms.
The Carolina Connections furniture collection is an expertly designed furniture system that fosters inclusive, engaging, and aesthetically enriching learning environments for all children. Rooted in principles of empathy, adaptability, and accessibility, this furniture collection serves as a framework for inclusive design and ensures every child can fully participate in the classroom, regardless of their abilities.
The natural aesthetic, textured patterns, height-adjustable furnishings, and wave-like curves of this collection inform the flow of the classroom and make the space and resources accessible to every child, even those requiring a mobility device. Multi-tiered workspaces provide experiences where children can collaborate and play together but have their own separate area to explore sensory materials, create art, and engage socially without the discomfort of direct peer-to-peer interaction. This collection also gives children the opportunity to explore at their own pace with places to rest or wait for caregiver assistance, and helps slow the activity of the classroom, alleviating anxiety and overstimulation.
Although the pieces of this collection are distinct, Carolina Connections' goal is to come together to create environments where all children can contribute to the classroom community in positive and meaningful ways.
Rather than designing classroom furniture for typically developing children and then making accommodations, Carolina Connections transforms the traditional classroom into a nurturing environment that prioritizes access, authenticity, connection, and sensory-based experiences for all. Through its seamless collaboration with the existing Kaplan Carolina birch furniture line, this collection fits into existing classrooms and is tailored to an array of unique interests, providing all children with the opportunity to engage and thrive.
This collection's adjustable tables and seating solutions accommodate children of different heights and mobility needs, promoting accessible play and learning for all. The use of sensory-friendly materials creates an engaging classroom experience for children who benefit from tactile stimulation. But what truly sets Carolina Connections apart is how it weaves together inclusive design and natural aesthetics to celebrate diverse learning styles and needs, providing a furniture solution that supports interaction, collaboration, and exploration for every child.
By choosing the Carolina Connections collection for your classrooms, you can create functional, adaptable, beautiful spaces that make every child feel like a valued member of the classroom community.
The Carolina Connections furniture collection includes an adjustable art easel, discovery sensory tables, cozy seating, and other inclusive materials that promote learning and play for children of all abilities. The items in this collection make great additions to classroom art centers, reading nooks, quiet corners, exploration centers, and more. Below is a brief overview of each item in the collection:
Create three levels of sensory exploration and play with the Carolina Connections Discovery Table. Each tabletop of this three-tiered system offers a different way to engage children in play. The tallest level features an LED light source, perfect for shadow play and use with colorful translucent blocks. The middle level features a deep play tray, ideal for use with sensory materials such as sand or natural loose parts. The lowest level features a mirrored surface that fosters social and emotional development while sparking curiosity and cognitive development. The Discovery Table is appropriate for ages 3 years and up.
Create smooth transitions between classroom play spaces, hallways, and entryways with the Carolina Connections Explorer Rail with Mirror. The curved rail offers support as children sit, stand, and maneuver through the environment. Children can increase their spatial awareness and improve their social skills with the attached mirror. You can also purchase an Explorer Rail without the attached mirror.
The intentional design of the Carolina Connections Easel provides a one-of-a-kind art experience that accommodates all children. A transparent acrylic art surface encourages children to paint, draw, and interact together while also providing comfortable separation for those children who are easily overstimulated or averse to physical touch. This height-adjustable easel can accommodate standing or seated children and mobility devices.
By placing the Carolina Connections Cove in your classroom, you can provide a space for moments of peaceful respite and self-regulation. The semi-enclosed design helps children feel calm and secure while resting on the soft vinyl cushion. This piece also creates a fun transitional pathway between learning centers and other classroom spaces.
Gentle curves and textures create an engaging sensory experience for children using the Carolina Connections Rhythm Seating bench. This bench will attach to the 30" Carolina Connections 5-Compartment Storage Unit, or you can use it individually to create multiple room configurations and places for children to explore and play. Children can remove the foam seating pad and place it on the floor, freeing up space on the top of the bench for play.
The Carolina Connections Inclusive Mats, when placed on the top of shelving units, provide a non-slip surface where children can play with blocks, loose parts, and other classroom materials. Raised edges keep items in place as children explore, test, and create. Plus, the padded material reduces noise and creates a less stimulating environment for children overwhelmed by excess sound.
Designed with durability and longevity in mind, the Carolina Connections furniture collection remains a functional, safe, and inviting solution for early childhood classrooms. Crafted from high-quality materials, each piece of this collection can withstand daily wear and tear. The easy-to-clean surfaces promote classroom safety and extend the life of Carolina Connections when cared for properly.
As part of our commitment to providing reliable, long-lasting classroom furnishings, Carolina Connections furniture is backed by our exceptional warranties, giving you peace of mind as you design and create an inclusive classroom environment.
For children with diverse abilities, their diagnosis is integral to who they are, but it does not alone define them. Inclusive classroom environments allow all children to fully participate in learning and play experiences, regardless of their abilities. By doing so, an inclusive environment improves every child's connection to peers, enhances their sense of belonging, and supports their overall development.
If you are ready to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment in your center, contact our Educational Sales Representatives. They will be happy to share more information about the Carolina Connections furniture collection. They can even help you select the appropriate pieces for your classroom, introduce you to our furniture warranties, and provide personalized material recommendations that fit your preferences and needs.