Oxnard Opens Classroom Doors to a Specialized Program for Students with Emotional Needs
October 19, 2018
By: Alexa D’Angelo
Source: VC Star
There are fidget bands — think an oversized rubber band — attached to the front of the desks so students with wiggly feet have someplace to channel their energy.
There are things the kids can have at their desks like Play-Doh or stress balls to help them calm nerves.
Then there’s a door that leads to something that immediately sets the space apart from its counterparts on campus.
It’s a quiet room, a space where students experiencing overwhelming feelings or anxiety can seek refuge. It’s a safe place, a haven for kids who are feeling overstimulated.
The classroom is one of two brand new spaces in the Oxnard School District that are designed specifically for students who are classified as having a difficult time regulating their emotions. These kids often need smaller class sizes and a bit more structure to develop the skills that will allow them to be successful in school.