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