Learning and Play Spaces
All Heuser Hearing & Language Academy (HHLA) classrooms are equipped with advanced educational technology to support child learning and teacher instruction. Our commitment to innovation is made possible through generous support from donors, including the Butterfly Society.
The school has one Cognia certified centers classroom, an outdoor education classroom, a sensory room, a library, two outdoor playgrounds, an indoor sensory motor playroom, a themed dramatic play area and a multipurpose indoor movement area.
Inside a Classroom
Our classrooms are designed to promote a good listening environment for all children. Having amplification and a good signal-to-noise ratio promotes more engagement and information access, leading to better learning outcomes. Classroom technology includes:
- A SMART Board
- A sound field systems
- An FM/DM system connectivity to hearing assistive technology
- iPads used in learning centers and STREAM activities
Teachers create spaces appropriate for their children by choosing a classroom theme, age-appropriate toys and manipulatives, blocks, books, adaptive seating, etc. They also incorporate standards needed for Cognia accreditation and materials that support their curriculum.
Outdoor Education Classroom
It is an instructional space with benches and a swing, large musical instruments, bird feeders, two raised beds (one for digging and exploration, the other for taste/touch safe perennial herbs), native perennials, wild/natural spaces, labeled (words and pictures) plants, brick pathways and nature-based free play areas with outdoor blocks and natural loose parts.
Centers Classroom
This room provides designated, color-coded, open, accessible areas for children to explore blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play toys, STREAM materials, books and sensory objects. It also includes a SMART Board and classroom instruction table, kinetic sand play station.
This child-led area is designed to promote fine motor skills, cognitive skills, pre-literacy skills and a variety of play, including parallel, dramatic and cooperative.
Sensory Room
In 2023, HHLA installed an immersive, interactive, child-driven, multi-sensory room designed and built specifically for our school’s needs by the innovative Dutch company, Snoezelen.
Library
HHLA is building a new collection that is developmentally and culturally diverse and representative of our learners and their literacy needs.
Our existing collection has been entered into a cataloging system, spine-labeled and barcoded. The library is housed in a spacious, sunlight-filled, accessible classroom. A team of educators is working to develop programming with community partners and set the groundwork to make the library part of our regular schedule.
Two Outdoor Playgrounds
The learning playground is for preschool children who are developing their gross motor skills. In 2019, a large log for children to climb or go through and a shock-absorbing surface were installed.
The large playground: HHLA had an accessible playground installed in 2019. This large outdoor play area includes sensory play elements such as tactile surfaces and musical components. Preschool children who have had experience in the learning playground can enjoy this area for their recess time.
Indoor Sensory Motor Playroom
This space was thoughtfully designed for preschoolers to build movement and sensory skills through play. It includes soft padded flooring, a ball pit and a textured sensory slide that provides proprioceptive feedback. This safe, engaging area supports balance, coordination and body awareness.
Themed Dramatic Play Area
This area invites children to explore language, imagination and social interaction through purposeful pretend play. Whether it’s a grocery store, doctor’s office, a flower shop or even outer space, the rotating themes reflect real settings and vocabulary-rich experiences. With costumes, props and visual supports, children practice expressive language, turn-taking and storytelling. All while building confidence, creativity and meaningful connections with peers.
Multipurpose Indoor Movement Space
This open indoor area is a dynamic space for movement, creativity and celebration. Throughout the week, it can transform to meet the needs of our children (e.g., hosting ballet classes, indoor recess and active free play with EyeClick equipment). Teachers can also set up obstacle courses to support gross motor development and sensory integration.
Beyond daily routines, the space is used for Family Fun Nights, Family Engagement, our annual graduation ceremony and other special events, bringing together children, families and staff to create joyful memories.
