Navigating Sensory-Friendly Learning Supports in Olentangy Local School District

Navigating sensory-friendly learning supports can feel like a maze, especially when you're trying to find the best fit for your child to thrive. If you're a parent in the Olentangy Local School District, you’re definitely not alone. This post is here to guide you through the thoughtful, inclusive services the district offers for neurodivergent children with sensory needs. Together, we’ll explore the resources designed to create comfortable, effective learning spaces—because knowing what's available is a powerful step in advocating for your child’s success.

Olentangy Local School District offers a range of special education services tailored to meet diverse sensory needs. Getting familiar with these options can empower you to work confidently with educators and create the best learning environment for your child.

Olentangy provides several instructional formats to support sensory processing challenges:

• Small group instruction: This gives your child focused attention in a calmer, less overwhelming setting, helping reduce sensory overload.
• Resource room classes: Students spend part of their day in a specialized setting where targeted strategies address individual learning and sensory needs.
• Team teaching: Special education and general education teachers collaborate in the same classroom, blending expertise to adapt lessons and sensory accommodations seamlessly. This helps your child feel included while getting the support they need.

In practice: Imagine your child struggling in a noisy classroom. Small group instruction offers a quieter space where they can focus better, while team teaching ensures they still feel part of the bigger class community.

Learn more about Related Services

Beyond classroom settings, Olentangy provides essential related services:

• Speech therapy: Helps with communication skills that can be affected by sensory processing differences.
• Occupational therapy (OT): Offers strategies and exercises to manage sensory input and improve daily functioning.
• Physical therapy (PT): Supports motor skills and body awareness, which often tie closely to sensory challenges.

These therapies work alongside classroom instruction to provide holistic support tailored to your child’s sensory profile.

Combining specialized instruction with related therapies creates an inclusive, supportive space for neurodivergent students. Olentangy focuses on helping kids develop self-regulation, positive behavior, and self-advocacy—skills that are key for success both in school and beyond.

Programs like the Behavior Team offer individualized support to help your child manage sensory-related behaviors positively.

Explore the Behavior Team

Dedicated spaces like the OASIS program provide safe, nurturing environments where students facing sensory and academic challenges can thrive.

Discover the OASIS Program

Navigating IEP strategies, sensory accommodations, and home supports can feel overwhelming. The Pupil Services Department is here to guide and advocate for families, ensuring your child’s sensory and educational needs are met.

Contact Olentangy Pupil Services

1. Gather detailed observations: Note your child’s sensory preferences, triggers, and calming strategies you’ve seen at home.
2. Ask specific questions: For example, "How will sensory breaks be incorporated during the school day?" or "What tools can help with self-regulation in the classroom?"
3. Request clear accommodations: Make sure sensory supports are explicitly included in the IEP or 504 Plan.

The Behavior Team focuses on promoting positive behavior and helping students build self-regulation skills. They work closely with families and educators to design personalized interventions that address sensory-related challenges.

For example, if your child experiences sensory overload that leads to outbursts, the team might suggest sensory breaks, calming techniques, or alternative communication methods tailored just for them.

Supports might include visual schedules, fidget tools, or quiet zones where your child can regroup. These strategies are integrated into your child’s educational plan to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

Empowering your child to understand and communicate their sensory needs is a game-changer. The Behavior Team helps teach kids how to recognize triggers, ask for breaks, and use coping strategies independently—building confidence and reducing anxiety.

The OASIS program is a nurturing space for students facing sensory and academic barriers, offering tailored support in a calming environment.

Starting early, Olentangy Preschool uses a peer model that blends typically developing children with those who have special needs. This inclusive setting promotes empathy, sensory awareness, and self-regulation from the very beginning.

Learn about Olentangy Preschool Peer Model

• Stay proactive: Regularly check in with teachers and therapists.
• Share insights: Let the school know what works at home.
• Be an active participant: Use IEP meetings to advocate for your child’s sensory needs.
• Use available resources: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Behavior Team or Pupil Services.

• Have you identified your child’s sensory triggers?
• Are sensory breaks included in the daily schedule?
• Is there a quiet space your child can use when overwhelmed?
• Are sensory tools (like fidgets) allowed and accessible?
• Is your child learning self-advocacy skills?

Navigating sensory-friendly learning supports can feel challenging, but remember—you’re not in this alone. Olentangy Local School District offers a strong support system ready to help your child succeed.

And to make your journey a little easier, consider using NeuroMule. It’s like your calm, capable buddy that helps you organize school info, track IEP progress, and gain insights—all so you can focus on what matters most: supporting your child’s unique path with confidence and calm.

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If you’re a parent navigating sensory accommodations and behavioral supports, tools like NeuroMule can lighten your load by helping you manage information, reduce stress, and empower your advocacy journey. Let NeuroMule be the partner that helps you keep everything on track, so you can focus on your child’s growth and success.