Self-contained Classroom

A self-contained classroom typically has a smaller teacher-to-student ratio than an inclusive classroom. It is taught by a Special Education teacher who has a degree in Special Education with the inclusion of at least one trained paraprofessional.

The self-contained classroom is a specialized learning environment where special education teachers support students with significant cognitive, emotional, and/or physical delays.

Benefits of Self-Contained Classroom:

personalize learning
increase social interaction and a sense of belonging for students with diverse needs
helps teachers understand students better
support those with disabilities

Challenges of Self-Contained Classroom:

limited resources
accommodate varied learning needs
find a balance between individualized teaching and group work

What is the Purpose of a Self-Contained Classroom?

The purpose of a self-contained classroom is to provide a tailored educational environment that meets the unique needs of students who may struggle to thrive in a general education setting. These classrooms are designed to:

Offer Specialized Instruction: The curriculum is adapted to suit the students’ abilities, ensuring they receive an education that aligns with their developmental and academic levels. Teachers use targeted strategies and tools to support learning, including visual aids, assistive technology, and modified lesson plans.
Create a Supportive Environment: Self-contained classrooms often feature smaller student-to-teacher ratios, enabling educators to give individualized attention. This setting reduces the sensory and social demands that might overwhelm students in larger, more complex general education environments.
Promote Skill Development: These classrooms focus not only on academics but also on developing life skills, social-emotional growth, and behavior management strategies that prepare students for greater independence.
Ensure Student Success: For some students, the tailored setting of a self-contained classroom provides the best opportunity to achieve academic and personal goals at their own pace.

What is the Difference Between Self-Contained and Inclusion Classrooms?

The primary distinction between self-contained and inclusion classrooms lies in their structure and the level of integration between students with special needs and their typically developing peers.

Self-Contained Classrooms:
- These are specialized environments where students with similar educational or developmental needs learn together, often with fewer students per teacher. The curriculum, pace, and teaching strategies are tailored specifically to meet the needs of the students in that classroom.
- Students in self-contained classrooms may spend the majority, if not all, of their school day in this setting, with minimal interaction with the broader school population.
- Teachers in self-contained classrooms often hold specialized certifications in special education and use individualized instruction to meet the unique needs of each student.
Inclusion Classrooms:
- Inclusion classrooms, also known as mainstream classrooms, integrate students with disabilities into general education settings alongside their peers without disabilities. Support services, such as a special education co-teacher or an aide, are provided to help meet the diverse needs of all students.
- The goal of inclusion is to provide students with disabilities access to the general education curriculum while promoting social interaction and a sense of belonging with their peers.
- Inclusion focuses on fostering a collaborative environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, can learn together.

The decision between placing a student in a self-contained or inclusion classroom depends on their specific needs, the nature and severity of their disability, and their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

When is a Self-Contained Classroom Appropriate?

A self-contained classroom is appropriate for students whose needs cannot be adequately met in an inclusion setting, even with additional support. These may include students with:

Significant learning disabilities or developmental delays.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that requires intensive intervention.
Emotional or behavioral disorders that impact their ability to function in a general education environment.
Multiple disabilities that require a highly specialized educational program.

The decision to place a child in a self-contained classroom is made collaboratively by the IEP team, which includes parents, teachers, special education staff, and other relevant professionals.

By understanding the differences and purposes of self-contained and inclusion classrooms, educators and families can make informed decisions that best support each student’s growth and success.

Tips for a Successful Self-Contained Classroom

Class size: The class size should be around 10 to 15 students, with 2 to 3 paraprofessionals assisting the Special Education teacher.
The format: Every area in the classroom should have a purpose and contain visuals of the steps needed to take place in each particular area so the students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Each area should have its own designated color. The color helps them associate the tasks required of them. The goal is to teach independence.
Provide structure: Each student is assigned a color, and all of their things are associated with that color, like
- Schedule
- Basket/bin
- Desk
- Mini schedule will also contain the station colors and the student’s own color

Example of Classroom setup with Centers for students

The students will rotate clockwise when moving from station to station. Make sure to have an area for the students to commute at the beginning of the day to go over the rules. Don’t forget to provide a place for the students to put their backpacks, color-coded, of course.

English Language Art Center
- Teacher Lead
- Color: Yellow
- Provide a sign with visuals
Quiet Reading Center
- Independent center
- Color: Lime Green
- Provide a sign with visuals
Task box Center
- Independent center
- Once the student does 3 tasks, then they receive a reward like iPad time
- Color: Purple
- Super important to provide visuals because they will be required to do multiple tasks
Play Center
- Independent center
- Mainly for primary grades
- Color: Blue
- They have an opportunity to learn from others and be part of a community
- Provide visuals
Teacher Lead Center
- Special instruction
- Color: Orange
- Individualized for that particular student
Independent Center
- Have a few options for the student to choose from, like iPad time
- Color: Green
- Provide visuals

Extra areas in the classroom

Make sure you have designated area for Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy to work with the students
Provide a calm-down corner, but keep it simple
- Bean bag chair
- Area rug
- Sensory toys
- Blanket
- Pillows
Restrooms within the room are a plus
- Have a boy visual and a girl visual of the steps of how to use the restroom
- Provide visuals of how to wash hands

4 main goals for Self-Contained Classrooms

Create a sense of community
Establish routines but encourage flexibility
Employ varied instructional approaches
- Learning Stations/Centers
- Hands-on activities
- Computer Apps (Kahoot and Quizlet)
Integrate community-based instruction
- community garden
- Working at a food bank
- Making a craft with seniors

Self-contained classrooms are vital for supporting students with significant educational needs. They balance personalized learning with emotional and social growth while preparing students for independence. Despite challenges, with thoughtful planning, effective tools, and a focus on community, these classrooms can provide an enriching experience that empowers students to succeed.

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