Sensory classroom made possible through community collaboration

A sensory classroom offering resources to help create a nurturing environment in which children can thrive at their own pace has been added at One Hope Learning Center at 1221 W. Main St., Tipp City. The new classroom was made possible through a community collaborative, said Hannah Walker, director, One Hope Learning Center.

The center provides full daycare for children from six weeks until kindergarten; prekindergarten classes and before and after school care for school age children.

“A sensory classroom is designed to support children, particularly those with developmental delays, sensory processing issues, or other special needs. The space is equipped with various tools and equipment to engage the senses—such as touch, sight, sound and sometimes smell,” Walker said.

“These elements help children regulate sensory input, improve focus and promote a sense of calm. The classroom aims to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive at their own pace,” she said.

This sensory classroom was created in response to a child in the daycare program who was experiencing developmental delays in several areas. This child was ready to transition to an age-appropriate classroom, but the higher child-to-staff ratio in that room made it difficult to meet their individual needs. The existing classroom environment was not developmentally appropriate, yet the child had outgrown the space they were in, becoming frustrated with the lack of growth opportunities,     Walker said.

“Unfortunately, we were faced with the heartbreaking decision to inform the child’s guardian that we could no longer provide care due to the lack of suitable options. This was a difficult moment for both the family and our staff, and it left us asking: 'How can we better serve children in our community who have similar needs and give them the opportunity to thrive?'" she said.

The answer was a sensory classroom, providing a specialized space where children who face developmental and sensory challenges can continue to grow in a supportive, developmentally appropriate environment.

The classroom is not yet fully open as a dedicated classroom. At present, the room functions as a calm-down room and as a private space for teachers to conduct one-on-one assessments and work with children. Though it is not yet being used as a full-time classroom, the space is already providing valuable support, Walker said.

The room is designed to help children regulate their emotions, improve focus and build skills in a calming and structured environment. Staff is being hired for this classroom to ensure the right team is in place to support the children.

Funding for the sensory classroom has come from various sources including the Tipp City Foundation with a grant of $10,000 over two years, Walker said.

Additionally, One Hope Learning Center supported the project, alongside One Hope Church of the Nazarene. Several other foundations and local organizations recognized the importance of this project and provided further support.

“This collaborative effort demonstrates the shared commitment within the community to create a space where all children can succeed,” Walker said of the overall budget of $100,000.