Course Description
Designing an Inclusive Classroom is designed to help teachers understand the importance of incorporating individual student needs into the classroom design. This course will discuss the role of the physical learning environment on student learning outcomes, how to identify individual student needs, and how to implement appropriate accommodations and adaptations for learning.
The lessons included in this course are Introduction to Little Light House, Setting the Stage, Spaces within the Classroom, Meeting Sensory Needs in the Classroom, Meeting Physical Needs within the Classroom, and Meeting Social & Emotional Needs within the Classroom. There are quizzes at the end of each lesson and a final quiz at the end of the course. To receive a Certificate of Completion from LLH, a score of 85% or higher must be achieved on the final quiz. The LLH certificate will be issued after the learner completes the quizzes and submits the course feedback form. Quiz completion is not required if a certificate is not pursued. Additional feedback, comments, and suggestions for the course can be sent to [email protected].
By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
- Explain the importance of meeting children's individual needs in all classroom and learning environments.
- Identify classroom learning spaces and how they pertain to daily activities and transitions.
- Implement physical adaptations within a learning environment.
- Identify necessary adaptations for students who are blind, deaf, or hard of hearing.
- Create spaces to meet the sensory needs of students.
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Create spaces to meet students' social and emotional needs.
Example Curriculum
Primary Contributors
Hannah Jimenez, MS, Special Education Teacher
Hannah Jimenez graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2015 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Music and a Master’s degree in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education. She also holds credentials as a Master IEP Coach® and was voted Teacher of the Year at Cedar Ridge Elementary in 2020. Prior to joining Little Light House, Hannah taught Special Education in the public school and community college settings and assists with the “His Heart” special needs ministry at CrossPoint Church in Sand Springs, OK. Hannah serves as the Special Education Teacher on the National and Global Impact team at Little Light House, training churches how to offer special needs services, writing courses for the Online Academy, and teaching Early Intervention classes. Hannah’s greatest passion is helping individuals with disabilities access their community, school, and church.
Ann Chinworth, BA, Editor
Ann Chinworth graduated with Bachelor degrees in English Education and Spanish from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK in 2017. Since then she has worked in a variety of settings, teaching Language Arts in the public school, working locally and overseas with youth, and expanding her online content creation skills. Ann joined Little Light House’s Department of Development in 2018 as the Grant Writer and later assisted with fundraising on the events team. Since then, she has transitioned to the National and Global Impact department, serving as the Outreach Coordinator and working with the team to compile information from Little Light House’s 50 years of experience into helpful resources and trainings for professional contacts, parents and educators worldwide. Ann has a passion for people and helping connect them with the resources they need to feel confident, happy, and ready for the future.
Lauren Sicka, M. Ed. Special Education Teacher
Lauren Sicka graduated from Texas Christian University in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Education and a Master's degree in Special Education. Prior to joining Little Light House, Lauren began her special education career in Texas public schools, teaching students in grades K-6. Lauren is currently the Lead Special Education Teacher in Orange Class at Little Light House. Orange Class is designed to support students' developmentally appropriate emotional regulation, communication, and school-readiness skills. Lauren is passionate about meeting students where they are and discovering the supports and techniques to set them up for the most success and independence in their futures.