What makes a classroom effective for special needs students?

Special needs classrooms should offer comfortable environments with furniture that accommodates disabilities, allows for small group work and individualized mentoring, and provides flexible arrangements based on individual student needs.

What type of desks work best for special needs students?

Sit-to-stand individual desks with adjustable height work well, allowing students to work in comfortable positions. Group learning desks that can be used individually or pushed together also provide flexibility for various activities.

How should sensory areas be designed for special needs classrooms?

Sensory areas should include soft seating, classroom rugs for floor seating, and organized storage for sensory tools and stress toys. These spaces give students a safe area to escape from sensory overload.

What storage solutions work for special needs classrooms?

Mobile bin storage with clear bins for easy material location, lockable cabinets for supervised materials, and bin shelving that can be completely removed work well for organizing supplies and sensory materials.

How do I get a quote for a special needs classroom?

Contact School Outfitters at 1-800-260-2776 for an itemized quote. Our specialists understand special education requirements and can help design a classroom that meets your students' specific needs.

Small Groups & Mentoring Rooms

The Need for Special Needs Classrooms

The special needs classroom for middle school and high school provides students with cognitive or physical disabilities everything they need to learn. Furnishings that accommodate students with disabilities make it simple for teachers to customize their lesson plans for individuals or small groups of students. Individual student desks allow students with special needs to work independently or in a one-on-one session with their teacher or an aid, while collaborative tables allow for small group projects, assignments or tutoring sessions. A variety of storage options allow students easy access to supplies and give teachers the ability to keep the classroom organized.

What Makes a Great Special Needs Classroom?

For Students

The special needs classroom should offer a comfortable environment where they can develop strong relationships with their teachers and peers. Furniture that allows for small group work and individualized mentoring assists special needs students in building on their individual strengths as well as socializing with peers and teachers.

For Teachers

The best special needs classroom should feature furniture that's easy to arrange and rearrange according to their students' needs. Individual desks and collaborative spaces should be available for independent and small group work. There should be space between work areas, allowing teachers and aides to move between students as they work, or pull up a chair alongside a working student for an individualized mentoring session.

For Administrators

The special needs classroom should be furnished in accordance with recommendations based on the needs of their special education students. Products must be readily available and delivered on time. Installation should be quick and efficient.

Special Needs Layout Zones That Work

Flexible Work Area

Gives students their own space to work independently or with a mentor.

Sit-to-stand individual student desks: Independent assignments and one-on-one learning with adjustable height for comfort
Sit-to-stand stools: Sturdy seating with backless design and adjustable height for any desk position
Group learning desks: Individual or group use with shapes designed for equal participation
Stack chairs: Durable soft plastic with grip handles and stackable design for easy storage
Mobile bin storage carts: Clear bins that can be rolled to work areas and completely removed
Magnetic dry-erase room dividers: Top-to-bottom writing surface accessible to wheelchairs with workspace sectioning
Over-the-ear headphones: Reduce ambient noise for students needing quiet focus

Group Work Area

Designed to accommodate small group projects or collaborative learning.

Small collaborative tables: Seat two or three students with height-adjustable design for limited reach
Stack chairs: Durable soft plastic with grip handles for easy movement and stackable storage
Mobile teacher desk: Rolling desk for mentoring with storage pedestals
Mobile teacher chair: Roll to different group areas for activity facilitation
Wall-mount dry-erase board: Large writing surface with magnetic display capabilities
Wall-mount bulletin board: Large surface for reminders, notes, and calendars
Lockable storage cabinet: Secures materials requiring teacher supervision
Open shelving: Consistent location for reference materials and project displays

Sensory Area

Gives students a safe space where they can escape from sensory overload.

Classroom rug: Brightens the area and provides seating space for floor preference
Soft seating: Comfortable reading and relaxation with lightweight, movable design
Bin shelving: Organizes supplies, sensory toys, and books with removable bins

Choosing Your Special Needs Classroom Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit your school's special needs classroom. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs and get an itemized quote with just one click. Our helpful sales representatives are happy to answer any questions about our classroom solutions and how you can put them to use in your school.

Need help? Call us at 1-800-260-2776 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you with creating your adaptive learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a classroom effective for special needs students?: Special needs classrooms should offer comfortable environments with furniture that accommodates disabilities, allows for small group work and individualized mentoring, and provides flexible arrangements based on individual student needs.
What type of desks work best for special needs students?: Sit-to-stand individual desks with adjustable height work well, allowing students to work in comfortable positions. Group learning desks that can be used individually or pushed together also provide flexibility for various activities.
How should sensory areas be designed for special needs classrooms?: Sensory areas should include soft seating, classroom rugs for floor seating, and organized storage for sensory tools and stress toys. These spaces give students a safe area to escape from sensory overload.
What storage solutions work for special needs classrooms?: Mobile bin storage with clear bins for easy material location, lockable cabinets for supervised materials, and bin shelving that can be completely removed work well for organizing supplies and sensory materials.
How do I get a quote for a special needs classroom?: Contact School Outfitters at 1-800-260-2776 for an itemized quote. Our specialists understand special education requirements and can help design a classroom that meets your students' specific needs.