Special Needs & Inclusion

This guide provides research-based, simple, easy-to-use social and emotional strategies for the home and childcare setting. With hundreds of strategies, organized into five chapters, this guide is a wonderful reference for any caregiver who is interested in promoting the social and emotional health of infants and toddlers.

3 years & up. Promote inclusion in a fun, engaging way with this set of Differing Abilities Puzzles. Each puzzle depicts real children with differing abilities so that children can begin to understand and accept that not everyone is like them. The puzzles will also help children develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Puzzles each have 14 pieces and measure 9" x 12".

For use with DECA-IT kit for children ages 1 month up to 18 months. Available in English or Spanish. Set of 20.

18 months & up. Parachute activities promote gross motor functions and imagination. The durable parachute is made of rip-stop nylon fabric, and sewn to last through the toughest play times. Each size includes storage bag. Available in 12' with 8 Handles, 20' with 16 Handles, 24' with 20 Handles, and 6' with 9 handles.

3 years and up. The intentional design of the Carolina Connections Collaborative Easel provides a one-of-a-kind art experience that accommodates all children. The unique curved design supports children's movement through the classroom at their own pace and encourages exploration while also creating a beautiful space inspired by the organic curves found in nature. A clear acrylic art surface encourages children to interact and create together while maintaining a comfortable distance that avoids overstimulation. Adjust the height to 18", 21" or 24" to accommodate standing or seated children. Features a durable birch plywood frame, easy-to-clean acrylic panels and a paper cutter and holder. Includes removable art tray and paint cups, as well as a starter 18" paper roll. Entire easel measures 48"W x 60"H x 20"D. Replacement paper roll is sold separately, item 301789.

Use this pack of self-assessment bands to help children communicate their understanding of a topic or feelings directly, visually, and confidentially to the teacher. Made out of dual layered silicone, with debossed lettering on both sides. Measures 7" x 0.5".

6 months & up. This bright red ball has five smaller balls that fit snugly into the holes around its surface. Each ball has a different texture to provide a unique tactile experience. Play with them together or separate them for multi-child play. Large ball measures 6.5" D. Small balls each measure 2.5" D.

3 years & up. Foster self-awareness and artistic expression with the Single Self-Portrait Mirror. Mirrors have lots of developmental potential for young children. Children can sharpen self-recognition skills by looking at themselves and describing what they see, or they can cultivate artistic skills by drawing themselves. These are just 2 of the many ways that this mirror can help children grow. Measures 8.5" x 11".

3 years and up. Keep children calm and comfortable with these protective earmuffs. Children need ways to relax when loud noises stress them out. These earmuffs are here to help. With a soft headband and cushioned ear cups, these earmuffs will bring children a sense of comfort as well as a sense of quiet. The earmuffs stretch and pivot, so caretakers can adjust them to their children's needs.

3 years & up. Make patterning even more engaging with these Colorful Multi-Shape Links with Jar for Learning Shapes and Patterns. Children will love building chains using three different shapes and six colors with this giant 500 piece set. These shape links are great for counting and sorting activities too! This set promotes color recognition, shape recognition, dexterity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. The pieces store in a convenient jar with screw-on lid and handle.

3 years & up. Manimo® weighted plush animals provide children with a sensory stimulation and soothing effect. These plush companions were designed to help children remain attentive and focused during their daily activities. Alleviating excess energy while providing deep pressure sensations. The weighted animals are soft and pliable and can be placed either on the child's shoulders, waist, thighs or stomach to stimulate rest and/or concentration. Recommended usage time is 15-20-minutes, preferably under adult supervision. Dolphin weighs 2 lbs. and Lizard weighs 4 1/2 lbs. Colors may vary.

3 years & up. Children can move through a space at their own pace when provided with the right affordances. Create smoother transitions between areas in the classroom, in hallways, and in transitional spaces like entryways using The Carolina Connections Explorer Rail. Curved rails at two different heights support children who are sitting or standing, offering increased mobility and inclusive experiences. The addition of a mirror helps children increase their spatial and self-awareness, intellectual curiosity, and cognitive skills. Unit features a plywood back panel and an easy-to-clean, heavy-duty plastic rail, and a shatter-resistant mylar mirror making this sturdy rail durable enough for continued use in children's learning spaces. Measures 47.5"W x 21.5"H x 6"D.

3 years & up. Develop skills in sequencing, memory, observation, and logic with 12 sets of four-step sequence stories. Includes 48 thick and durable real-image picture cards, activity card, and a carton to hold all the pieces. Pocket chart sold separately.

5 years & up. Hold the moon in your hands! These unique balls have a light-weight design that allows them to bounce like there is no gravity and with a crazy spin. Makes a unique 'Pop!' sound when it hits pavement. Turn a regular game into a fun, out of this world challenge for the playground, back yard, gym, basement, etc. Great for special needs. Colors may vary. Size: 2.48".

18 months & up. Children hold the soft colorful bugs as they go walking on field trips or nature walks. It's a simple way to keep children together and safe. Features ten soft bug bodies with a cushioned grip and a handle on each side, totaling up to twenty handles. Walking Rope comes in a vinyl bag with zipper. Measures 13.5 feet long. Machine washable.

5 years & up. Use the Sensy Band™ for tactile stimulation, fidgeting and as a slap bracelet. The brightly colored and bumpy textured bracelet adjusts to fit most wrists and serves as a great tool to help you focus and be calm. Measures 9.75"L x 1"W.

User's Guide for the DECA-IT kit. © 2007

5 years & up. Hold the moon in your hands! These unique balls have a light-weight design that allows them to bounce like there is no gravity and with a crazy spin. Makes a unique 'Pop!' sound when it hits pavement. Turn a regular game into a fun, out of this world challenge for the playground, back yard, gym, basement, etc. Great for special needs. Colors may vary. Size: 2.48".

12 months & up. Introduce new sensory elements into reading time with this wonderful Baby Touch & Feel Board Book Set with Various Textures and Themes. This set is complete with padded covers, simple images, and an amazing range of novelty textures. These books will immediately capture the attention of the very youngest children, and create an experience they'll want to repeat over and over again. This set of books promotes literacy and sensory learning. Each book contains thick pages that are easy for small hands to turn.

3 years and up. Bring texture, color, and creativity to any craft project with these Colored Cotton Balls Fluffs! Soft, fluffy, and easy to handle, they're perfect for little hands to squish, glue, and create with. Ideal for art activities, sensory bins, dramatic play, and classroom decorations, these vibrant cotton fluffs add a playful touch to any activity. Whether you're making clouds, animals, or imaginative creations, the possibilities are endless! Comes in white, blue, yellow and pink. 100 fluffy balls of one color per bag.

3 years & up. Watch balance skills improve after a few trips around the Step-A-Logs! Begin by organizing logs in a straight line then move on to curves and more challenging log placement. Logs feature raised dots for safety and tactile stimulation. Logs extend over 15 feet and can be moved from straight to curved position, increasing the challenge. This game allows for physical activity as well as improving the sense of balance. The six, brightly-colored Step-a-Logs are made from strong, durable polypropylene. Each platform measures 19.75"L x 5.5"W x 4"H.

The DECA-P2 Record Forms are strength-based, nationally standardized, reliable, valid, and easy-to-use! These sets includes 40 assessment forms and a pad of 40 individual child profile forms. Sets available in English or Spanish.

Move while you work quietly and make learning and working fun! These safe, 100% latex free bands were developed by an educator. Bouncy bands increase time on task; help high-energy workers fidget without distracting others; reduce students falling from leaning back in chairs; and discreetly soothes student anxiety, frustration, and hyperactivity. Available for desks and chairs! Bouncy Bands® stretch to fit chairs that have a distance from 13 - 17" between the chair legs. When students sit at tables, Bouncy Bands for Chairs allow students to have individualized sensory relief without distracting others.

6 months & up. Bring the sound of rain indoors with this Rainmaker set. A simple turn of the Baby Rainmaker creates a combination of sound and color that will captivate inquisitive young ones. Watch and listen as a rainbow of colored beads cascade through the tube recreating the soft sound of gently falling rain. Colors will vary. Each measures 8'H. Available individually or as a set of 2.