Resource Room for a Rural School: A Space for Children with Special Educational Needs
Practical psychologist of a rural school
I work as a practical psychologist at a rural school, where in recent years the number of children with special educational needs has increased sharply. Unlike in cities, rural families do not have access to private rehabilitation centers or specialized studios — the school remains the only place where children can receive qualified assistance. This project aims to create conditions that will help every child develop in a safe environment.
ABOUT THE PROBLEM
The number of students who need inclusive support and psychological relief is constantly growing, while rural schools are often left to face this problem alone. Currently, correctional classes are held in ordinary classrooms — excessive noise, a large number of visual stimuli, and the lack of an adapted environment make concentration impossible, increase anxiety, and lead to rapid exhaustion of children. Most families do not have the financial or logistical means to take their children to the city every day for specialized therapy. A fully equipped modern resource room costs 400–500 thousand hryvnias — an unaffordable sum for our community.
THE SOLUTION: A RESOURCE ROOM
A resource room is a specially equipped space where children can restore emotional balance, develop communication skills, attention, and motor skills. The created space will be used not only for children with special needs, but also for psychological relief of all students — to develop emotional resilience and social skills. We are not waiting for "ideal conditions" — we are starting to act right now, raising funds for the initial, most critical minimum set of equipment.
HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE SPENT
- Sensory content: a dry ball pool, soft poufs, modules, tactile mats, a privacy tent
- Psychological relief (art therapy): a light table, kinetic sand and sand therapy tables — help children process fears and anxiety through motor activity, without the need to verbalize their problems
- Didactics and development: sets of educational cards, logic games, sorters, balance boards, tactile paths and busy boards for stimulating the cerebellum and fine motor skills
- Office equipment: a printer and tablet for independently producing durable materials, which will significantly save resources
We believe in the power of small steps and crowdfunding.
