Making Your After-School Program Sensory-Friendly: Strategies for Success

Offer Sensory Tools to Support Individual Needs

If you’re leading an after-school program, consider adding sensory-friendly features at any time during the school year! Sensory-friendly features help students who may feel overwhelmed by the often sensory-rich environment of after-school programs. For many parents, choosing after-school care that fits their child’s needs is critical. Children with sensory sensitivities often struggle with busy, noisy, and bright environments. However, there are simple and effective ways to create a more sensory-friendly after-school program that all children can enjoy.

This blog post highlights strategies and techniques to help make your after-school program sensory-friendly, accessible, and inclusive for children with sensory processing challenges.

Establish a Sensory-Friendly Environment

The first step in creating a sensory-friendly after-school program is to design an environment where children feel comfortable. After-school programs are often held in crowded or open spaces with high ceilings, such as gymnasiums, which can be overwhelming. Consider the characteristics of your program’s location: Is it busy, loud, or bright?

To create a more sensory-friendly environment, use the following strategies:

Sensory-Friendly Feature	Example
Different rooms/spaces for activities	Separate loud spaces from quiet spaces.
Solo vs. group activity spots	Create areas for solo activities and others for group activities.
Noise-dampening materials	Use carpet tiles, acoustic panels, fabric, foam, or wood to reduce noise.
Natural lighting	Whenever possible, rely on natural light to create a calm atmosphere.
Fluorescent light covers	If fluorescent lighting is unavoidable, use covers or filters to soften the light.

Create Quiet Zones

A dedicated quiet zone is an essential feature of a sensory-friendly after-school program. A quiet zone provides a separate, closed-off space where children can relax and take a break from sensory-rich environments. In your quiet zone, consider adding:

• Comfortable seating
• Sensory tools (like fidget toys or stress balls)
• Quiet activities like reading or coloring

Involve the students in creating rules for the quiet zone. For instance, will it be a no-talking or low-talking area? Ensure the zone is a safe and comfortable space where students feel they can retreat and recharge when needed.

Offer Sensory Tools to Support Individual Needs

Sensory tools are invaluable in helping children manage their environment according to their own sensory needs. Provide tools like:

• Fidgets: Help children with restless hands focus or relax.
• Noise-cancelling headphones: Reduce overwhelming background noise.
• Weighted lap pads: Offer calming deep pressure input.
• Yoga mats: Provide a comfortable place for relaxation or quiet activities.

Sensory tools empower children to adapt their environment in a way that suits their sensory preferences. For example, if your program doesn’t have a fully separate quiet zone, noise-cancelling headphones allow children to create a quieter space for themselves.

Ensure Access to an Accessible Toilet

Another critical aspect of creating a sensory-friendly after-school program is ensuring access to an accessible toilet. Did you know that having the urge to use the toilet but not being able to can lead to sensory overload? Ensure that your program has sufficient toilet access, with toilets easily available as part of the routine.

Provide Food and Drink

Children’s energy levels and moods can be greatly affected by hunger or thirst. A lack of food and nutrition can reduce a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well. According to a research article titled, “Promoting Food Security for All Children” by Gitterman et al., 2015, a lack of food and nutrition reduces a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well. Food insecurity is also linked to emotional and behavioural problems (Gitterman et al., 2015) ¹.

Therefore, ensure your after-school program offers access to snacks and drinks. Create a sensory-friendly, welcoming space where children can eat comfortably, and establish a schedule that prevents hunger or thirst during the program.

Encourage Both Individual and Group Play

Many children with sensory sensitivities may find prolonged group play overwhelming. Therefore, it’s important to offer a variety of activities that cater to both individual and group play. If your program is highly structured, alternate between group and individual activities. Giving children a choice in their experience helps them feel comfortable and supported.

Complete Sensory-Friendly Staff Training

Lastly, one of the most effective ways to ensure a positive experience for children with sensory sensitivities is to provide sensory-friendly staff training. Training helps staff understand how to structure the program, choose activities, and interact effectively with children who have additional needs. This fosters positive relationships and ensures that all students feel welcomed and included.

Conclusion: Make Your After-School Program Sensory-Friendly

By implementing these strategies, you can make your after-school program a sensory-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all children. Whether you add quiet zones, offer sensory tools, or train your staff, each step helps ensure that children with sensory sensitivities feel supported and comfortable.

FAQs: Creating a Sensory-Friendly After-School Program

What does it mean for an after-school program to be sensory-friendly?

A sensory-friendly after-school program is designed to accommodate children with sensory sensitivities by reducing or modifying sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, and chaotic environments. These programs provide a calm, inclusive space where all children can feel comfortable and supported.

Why is it important to create a sensory-friendly environment in an after-school program?

Children with sensory processing challenges, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), often find traditional after-school environments overwhelming. By creating a sensory-friendly environment, you help these children feel more comfortable, focused, and included in your program, improving their overall experience and well-being.

How can I modify the environment to make it more sensory-friendly?

You can modify the environment by separating loud areas from quiet spaces, using noise-dampening materials like carpet or acoustic panels, providing natural lighting, and covering harsh fluorescent lights. Creating dedicated zones for quiet, solo activities and sensory tools can further support children’s sensory needs.

What is a quiet zone, and why is it important?

A quiet zone is a designated space in your after-school program where children can relax and take a break from sensory-rich activities. It is especially important for children who become overwhelmed by noise, bright lights, or crowds. A quiet zone provides a calm, comfortable retreat where students can recharge.

What types of sensory tools should I provide in a sensory-friendly after-school program?

Sensory tools that can be helpful include fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, weighted lap pads, yoga mats, and stress balls. These tools allow children to modify their environment to suit their sensory preferences, providing them with comfort and helping them self-regulate.

How does food and drink impact sensory sensitivity in children?

Hunger and thirst can increase a child’s sensory sensitivities, making them more susceptible to emotional and behavioral challenges. Providing snacks and drinks at regular intervals helps prevent sensory overload and ensures that children stay focused and comfortable throughout the after-school program.

How can I balance individual and group activities in a sensory-friendly after-school program?

It’s important to offer a mix of individual and group activities to accommodate different needs. Some children may find group play overwhelming, so giving them the option to engage in solo activities or alternating between group and individual play allows them to feel more comfortable and engaged in the program.

What is sensory-friendly staff training, and why is it important?

Sensory-friendly staff training teaches your team how to structure activities, manage sensory sensitivities, and support children with diverse needs. This ensures that all students, regardless of their sensory preferences, have a positive and inclusive experience.

Can sensory-friendly practices benefit all children, not just those with sensory sensitivities?

Yes, sensory-friendly practices can benefit all children by creating a more inclusive, calming, and supportive environment. These practices can reduce stress, improve focus, and make the after-school program a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Why is DEI training important for school staff and educators?

DEI training ensures that educators are equipped to support a diverse student body, including those with disabilities and sensory differences. Discover how DEI training can make a difference in your school in our blog: DEI Training for Schools.

How can teachers apply sensory-friendly strategies from the classroom to after-school programs?

Teachers can extend sensory-friendly strategies used in the classroom to after-school programs by incorporating tools like noise-cancelling headphones, creating quiet zones, and offering a variety of individual and group activities. Learn more about how teachers can make their environments more inclusive in our blog: How to Be a Sensory-Friendly Teacher.

What sensory-friendly practices from recreation centers can be applied to after-school programs?

Recreation centers often implement sensory-friendly hours, quiet spaces, and sensory tools, which are strategies that can also be applied to after-school programs. By adopting these practices, after-school programs can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for children with sensory sensitivities. Learn more in this blog post: Make your Sport or Recreation Center Sensory-Friendly.

Take Your Sensory-Friendly After School Program to the Next Level: Learn, Grow, Thrive

Implementing sensory-friendly practices in your after-school program is an excellent step toward creating an inclusive environment. But there’s always more to learn! Whether you’re just getting started or want to deepen your understanding, here are some ways to take your sensory-friendly approach even further.

Enroll in Sensory-Friendly 101

Understanding sensory sensitivities and how to accommodate them is key to success. Consider enrolling in our Sensory-Friendly 101 Course to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies about sensory-friendly basics.

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1. Gitterman, B. A., Chilton, L. A., Cotton, W. H., Duffee, J. H., Flanagan, P., Keane, V. A., Krugman, S. D., Kuo, A. A., Linton, J. M., McKelvey, C. D., Paz-Soldan, G. J., Daniels, S. R., Abrams, S. A., Corkins, M. R., de Ferranti, S. D., Golden, N. H., Magge, S. N., & Schwarzenberg, S. J. (2015). Promoting Food Security for All Children. Pediatrics, 136(5), e1431–e1438. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3301