Eileen Schwab

DAP Classroom Environment/ Floor Plan

When setting up a classroom there are many factors that teachers should consider in order

to make the room a safe and welcoming place. Special education classrooms are unique because

students are coming and going throughout the day and the room also needs to provide more than

just a space to learn. They have aspects of the classroom that general education rooms do not,

like sensory spaces, physical aggression safe spaces and sometimes kitchens or laundry areas.

Most times the teachers are not just teaching one grade, they teach students in a variety of grades

with a wide variety of needs. The students' needs can be met through the classroom environment

while incorporating Developmentally Appropriate Practices.

Creating a space where students' needs can be met but they can also be motivated to learn

and develop, can be impacted by the way the classroom is set up. In my floor plan you will see a

rug in the front of the classroom facing the board. On the rug there are a variety of seating

options that students may choose before we start our morning meeting, group work or another

activity. The reason I have included flexible seating is because having students with a variety or

severe behaviors in one room calls for differentiation, including how one sits. Sitting on the floor

and not moving is not possible for many students, so instead the students will have the option to

choose how they will be at the class time. Sitting on a yoga ball can help students who have

trouble sitting still, students also have the choice to sit in a traditional seat or on the carpet if they

would like. Giving students a choice seating allows students to discover their needs and develop

decision making skills. This demonstrates DAP #12 which states that, “Children’s experiences

shape their motivation and approaches to learning, such as persistence, initiative and flexibility;

in turn, these dispositions and behaviors affect their learning and development”(DAP #12, 2009).
Flexibility helps students learn to make decisions for themselves and helps them understand that

they impact their own education.

Collaboration between students and teachers is an important aspect of creating a

community in the classroom. In my floor plan you will see half circle shaped tables in the center

of the classroom. The reason I have included these are for collaborative work between students

and the teacher. Having a half circle shaped table allows space for the teacher or paraprofessional

to join and work with the students. The teacher teaches lessons in small groups or rotates

between tables. Many times in special ed students have unique needs and having a space where

teachers can join groups allows the teacher to be integrated into the group. The group tables

allow students to work together and ask each other questions. This demonstrates DAP #7 and #8

which state, “Children develop best when they have secure, consistent relationships with

responsive adults and opportunities for positive relationships with peers” (DAP #7, 2009) and

“Development and learning occur in and are influenced by multiple social and cultural contexts”

(DAP #8, 2009). Having positive interactions with adults in the classroom can be developed

through collaboration. Having teachers and students sharing tables and working together with a

set power dynamic creates a more open and accepting environment.

Providing a space where students can discover their own needs and what works best for

them, can help students grow developmentally. In my floor plan you will see the quiet work

space as well as a sensory break area. The quiet work area has individual desks with dividers,

this is a space for students to do quiet independent work. Students may go here if they feel they

cannot focus at their tables or if they need a break and need quiet time. The sensory area is an

important part of any special education classroom. Students with disabilities have a variety of
needs and many times can be overwhelmed by stimulation. The sensory area provides students a

space to take a break and help them recenter themselves to be ready for learning again. The area

has beanbags, weighted and normal blankets, a body sock, and a swing- the materials will vary

depending on students needs. This demonstrates DAP #5 and #6 which state, “ Early experience

have profound effects, both cumulative and delayed, on a child’s development and learning;

optimal periods exist for certain types of development and learning to occur” (DAP #5, 2009)

and “Development proceeds toward greater complexity, self-regulation, and symbolic or

representational capacities” (DAP #6, 2009). Giving the students a variety of space in the

classroom that can help their emotional development has a large impact on their learning

development as well.

Exploring your interests and learning how to properly interact with your peers is an

important aspect of social and emotional development. As you see in my floor plan there is a

book and discovery book shelf. This helf will have a variety of books and activities that can help

students explore possible careers and future plans. There may be a book about doctors then a

labeled model of the brain, or a babydoll and story about unique types of families. Many times

students with disabilities aren't taught about continuing their education after high school or

possible jobs they would enjoy. Helping students discover their passions can help teachers form

lessons that help guide students. This demonstrates DAP #10 which states, “Play is an important

vehicle for developing self-regulation as well as promoting language, cognition and social

competence” (DAP #10, 2009). Play can be applied in different ways, exploring a variety of

interests or sharing those interests with others.

 Developmentally Appropriate Practices are a key aspect of any classroom. In special

education classrooms students are constantly developing at different rates, and teachers should

provide a place where that is celebrated and encouraged. The physical space of the classroom

plays an important role in how interactions are made and how students feel while being in the

classroom. This floor plan allows students to learn self regulation while still interacting and

growing alongside their peers. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and what helps

them learn best. I want students to be excited to come to class and feel that the room is a safe

place for everyone no matter their ability.