Every child has unique strengths and abilities that benefit the classroom environment and the experiences of others. Creating spaces that accommodate all children, regardless of their abilities, gives them what they need to succeed. Not only that, but you also provide families and your community with easier access to high-quality care and education.
So, how do you design a classroom space to be inclusive and accessible? Is it as easy as moving furnishings around to accommodate mobility devices? Or is there more to it than that?
In this article, you will find practical tips for designing an inclusive and accessible classroom that supports all learners and abilities. By implementing these tips over time, you will help children thrive academically and build their confidence, social skills, and genuine sense of belonging.
Why does inclusive design matter?
Children with diverse abilities enter the classroom with many labels. According to the book Accessible Learning Spaces: A Guide to Implementing Univeral Design in Early Childhood Education, the goal of inclusive and accessible design is to break down barriers and stigmas, overcome instructional obstacles, and provide all children with a beautiful space where they feel supported and can learn. Instead of separating children into groups based on their abilities, all children play, interact, and grow together. This approach to classroom design also helps educators adjust their instruction and the environment to bring out the strengths of every child.
How can you create an inclusive and accessible classroom?
While certain aspects of inclusive and accessible classrooms may seem obvious, like making space for mobility devices to move freely, there is much more to consider. Below, we share four classroom design considerations to help you create spaces that inspire, motivate, and educate all children.
1. Start with Accessibility
The first thing to consider when creating an accessible and inclusive classroom space is the layout of furnishings and how easy it is for all children to move around freely. Configure your classroom shelving units, tables, chairs, and other items to create clear pathways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or mobility device. The ADA recommends a 36" to 60" width to meet this requirement.
Something else to consider is the type of flooring in your classroom and how easy it is for children to move from one flooring texture to another. For some, the transition between carpet and tile flooring can be emotionally triggering or difficult to maneuver due to physical limitations. Other children may find it difficult to travel freely across classroom rugs that are thick, plush, or overly textured. When designing an inclusive and accessible space, choose flooring options that make your classroom easier to navigate.
Accessibility also refers to how easy it is for children to reach and use the materials in your classroom. To accommodate all children as they play, place manipulatives, blocks, and other classroom toys on shelves at varying heights. You can also increase access to classroom toys by using low-sided baskets or trays to store materials.
2. Foster Flexible Learning
A flexible environment emphasizes a child's choice in how they learn. This flexibility can also lessen behaviors that challenge, giving educators more time to facilitate learning. For example, allowing children to choose between a wiggle seat or standard classroom chair for group activities gives them autonomy over their comfort and how they learn best. Allowing children to move around the classroom throughout the day helps engage their brains to improve learning and provides ample opportunities for collaborative play.
Flexible teaching practices also create an inclusive classroom environment that supports and strengthens every child's education. If possible, incorporate inclusive materials and visual aids to support your curriculum lessons and activities. Adjust the way you introduce lessons and academic concepts if you notice a child or group of children struggling to comprehend what you are teaching.
3. Address Sensory Needs
The early childhood environment is often full of boisterous activity that can be overstimulating, especially for children with sensory processing sensitivities or those who are neurodivergent. To support the sensory needs of all children, create a safe, quiet area where children can go to escape and recharge. A quiet area is also great for children struggling with self-regulation as it provides a calming retreat from big emotions as children work to regain their composure.
Your classroom aesthetic can also contribute to the sensory overload felt by everyone, including adults. Neutral colors, natural textures, and minimal wall decorations give your classroom a home-like feel and turn it into a sensory "Zen zone" that encourages calm, collaborative play and enthusiastic learning.
Something else to consider as you create an inclusive classroom environment is the need for sensory exploration and play. Sensory play often involves using lights, sounds, colors, and textures that activate and engage a child's senses without being too overwhelming. Sensory play encourages the development of problem-solving, communication, and academic skills. However, some children are averse to certain types of sensory stimulation, such as loud noises or the feeling of certain textures or substances, like sand. Take note of this and adjust your sensory play lessons and activities accordingly.
4. Promote Social Inclusion
When designing an inclusive and accessible classroom, focus on creating spaces that promote collaboration and positive peer interactions. One way to do this is to arrange tables, sensory bins, shelving units, interactive panels, and other classroom furnishings so that all children can engage in collaborative play.
Set up your learning centers with hands-on materials that children can explore, ask questions about, and experiment with. Include songs, stories, and daily movements to improve communication and peer relationships. Do your best to plan small and large group activities that encourage all children to collaborate.
What is the best way to get started on your inclusive and accessible classroom design?
While creating an inclusive and accessible classroom may seem overwhelming initially, the easiest path forward is to assess your current classroom design and how it meets the diverse needs of young children. If you notice any areas that need improvement or suggestions from this article that you have yet to incorporate in your classroom, take note for future projects.
Do not feel like you need to update everything all at once. In fact, we suggest you start small and choose one area of your classroom to focus on first, moving on to others as you have more time and resources.
If you have more questions about inclusive and accessible classroom design, consider registering for Kaplan’s upcoming professional development sessions that will dive deeper into this topic and share practical tips for immediate classroom implementation. To download the upcoming professional development schedule and register for sessions, click here.
