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Functional furniture for every child

Rather than designing classroom furniture for typically developing children and then making accommodations, Carolina Connections transforms the traditional classroom into a nurturing environment that prioritizes access, authenticity, connection, and sensory-based experiences for all.

Through its seamless collaboration with the existing Kaplan Carolina birch furniture line, this exclusive collection fits into existing classrooms and is tailored to an array of unique interests, providing all children with the opportunity to engage and thrive.

Teacher in a preschool classroom playing with children using Carolina Connections furniture

Inclusive design principles woven throughout the Carolina Connections collection

Preschool teacher interacting with a special needs child at the Carolina Connections Discovery Table

Connection and Belonging

The natural aesthetic, textured patterns, height-adjustable furnishings, offset toe kicks, and wave-like curves of this collection inform the flow of the classroom and make the space and resources accessible to every child, even those requiring a mobility device.

Young child playing with wooden shaped toys on a Carolina Connections Inclusive Mat

Agency and Choice

Multi-tiered workspaces provide experiences where children can collaborate and play together but have their own separate area to explore sensory materials, create art, and engage socially without the discomfort of direct peer-to-peer interaction.

Young child playing with objects in the sand compartment of the Carolina Connections Discovery Table

Engagement and Exploration

This collection gives children the opportunity to explore at their own pace with places to rest or wait for caregiver assistance, and helps slow the activity of the classroom, alleviating anxiety and overstimulation.

The Carolina Connections Rhythm Seating

attaches to Kaplan's 30" Carolina 5-Compartment Storage Unit to expand the functionality of your classroom furnishings!

Carolina Connections Rhythm Seating benches placed on either side of a small shelf unit in a preschool classroom Girl playing with wooden toys on the Carolina Connections Rhythm Seating bench

Carolina Connections provides enriching educational experiences for all children

Teacher and special needs children playing around the Carolina Connections Discovery Table

Uses light, reflections, and removable trays to introduce STEM concepts and sensory-filled learning

Teacher with young child using the Carolina Connections Easel

Adjustable and flexible configurations make it easy for every child and mobility device to collaborate and play

Small child lying inside the Carolina Connections Cove

Comfortable, textured seating provides areas of refuge that do not physically isolate children from the rest of the classroom

Portrait of Miriam Beloglovsky

Meet Miriam Beloglovsky

Educator, author, and advocate for early childhood education, Miriam is best known for her work promoting loose parts theory. She has written several influential books, including the award-winning, best-selling Loose Parts series, which focuses on the value of providing children with materials that inspire exploration, problem solving, and imagination. With over 35 years of experience in early childhood education, her work aligns with progressive educational approaches, encouraging educators to think beyond traditional methods.

Building on the principles of her most recent book, Loose Parts for Children with Diverse Abilities, Miriam is now applying her passion for designing empathic, equitable, and engaging play ecosystems to the creation of the Carolina Connections furniture collection. This exclusive addition to the Kaplan portfolio of furniture offerings is a testament to Miriam's commitment to inclusion and innovation.