Jason Goulet, Matt Wade, Jessica Brown and Sarah Striechan

The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Sensory Friendly School,” is designed to provide sensory equipment and support for Piedmont Elementary School students. The school currently has very high needs in the area of special education and very limited resources. By being able to purchase equipment to assist students in meeting their sensory needs, the teachers aim to support them throughout their day. The goal is to allow students to spend more time in class and less time in intervention or out of classes due to behavior issues or sensory over responsivity. This project will be used to provide a space within the class and away from the class for students to meet their sensory needs, assist them with modulating their sensory system, and prevent them from acting out in a flight, fright or fight response. A multi-sensory experience room would serve as a de-escalation space for teachers and students, utilizing special equipment to provide sensory support and facilitate calming.