View source for Common Accommodations for Brookline Sprouts


= Accommodations at Brookline Sprouts =
There are various accommodations provided by staff, when able, for children at the center. Some examples related to native language, physical or cognitive ability, emotion regulation, etc. 

Sensory Supports:

* Chewy necklaces-given to children who put fingers, hair, toys, or other non-edible items into their mouths or who bite others to reduce germ transmission and bite injury risk, provide sensory support, and decrease the risk of oral development issues
** Phone cord style
** Textured plastic chew with plastic break-away clasp
** Cloth chew with velcro clasp
* Bathroom support- given to children who have trouble with loud noises
** Teachers flush the toilet for the child after the child leaves the bathroom
* Breaks in the office with administrators-given to children who request a break from the classroom due to feeling overstimulated by noise, movement, people, etc. 
** 1-5 minutes in the office with an administrator offered
* Parental supports offered
** Parent/teacher conferences
** Coaching offered to parents
** Pamphlets/leaflets
** Referrals to support services
** Detailed notes
* Extra one-on-one teacher and admin support and coaching
* Fidget toys-given to children who struggle to focus without something in their hands, or who hurt themselves or others with their hands when in emotional distress, as a safe alternative, or who require tactile assistance to emotionally regulate
** Stress balls/squishy toys
** Fidget spinners
** Fidget rings
** Calming tracing squares

Emotional Supports:

* Anger management tools, miscellaneous
** Tracing squares
** Tearable paper
** I want/I need board/folder
** Calming posters with numbers and breathing exercises
** Feelings posters
** Feelings/emotional regulation songs 
** Stuffed toys
** Visual timers for sharing/transitions
* Non-Sprouts Support Staff
** Approved therapists and support staff 
* Extra reminders and warnings about transitions given to them one-on-one, as well as to the entire class-for children with difficulty transitioning, auditory processing problems, or IEPs with this adaptation listed
* Breaks in the office- provided to children who request a classroom break, or who staff determine need to be separated for safety reasons
** 1-5 minutes in the administrators’ office with an administrator
* Wristlet Family Photo-given to children who struggle with separation anxiety
* Extra one-on-one teacher support
* Parental supports offered
** Parent/teacher conferences
** Coaching offered to parents
** Pamphlets/leaflets
** Referrals to support services
** Detailed notes

Developmental/Motor Supports

* Hand-holding on stairs-if child has an identified gross motor delay/support need
* Non-Sprouts Support Staff
** Approved therapists and support staff 
* Furniture moved/space altered
** Furniture is rearranged to provide clear pathways for children with motor differences
* Extra one-on-one teacher support
* Referral to evaluation by early intervention and their pediatrician-if delays.differences noted through screeners and observations
* Homework help offered for school age students
* Shoe-tying lessons- given to children over the age of five who cannot yet tie their shoes independently
* Parental supports offered
** Parent/teacher conferences
** Coaching offered to parents
** Pamphlets/leaflets
** Referrals to support services
** Detailed notes
* Extra potty support- given to children who have at least two potty accidents while in care
** Songs/stories supporting potty time
** Extra reminders to go to the bathroom
** Help with pulling up pants

Allergy supports (with Dr.’s note):

* Altered menu offered
* Extra cleaning offered
* Staff training on specific allergies/intolerances available
* Food from home allowed

Home Languages Supports:

* “Get to know you” paperwork given to families requesting information about home languages spoken/used
* Wall hangings/posters with childrens’ home languages posted
* Songs shown to the class in multiple languages, including all languages known to be used by children in the class
* Staff training offered to increase knowledge of other languages and cultures
* Books available in multiple languages
* Multiple languages used throughout the day
* Flashcards and other educational materials available in children' s home languages
* Translators available for parents upon request
* Children encouraged to use home languages at school

Deaf/Blind accommodations available:

* 1 admin fluent in American Sign Language, 3 staff members ASL learners
* Written-only communication available upon request
* Voice-only communication available upon request
* Trained service animals welcome with proper paperwork, barring any severe allergies (see staff wiki for more information on service animal policy)
* Braille books available
* Staff training available upon request