‘Calming Corner’ Kits Arrive in Kern Schools to Support Student Well-Being

In an effort to support student well-being, KCSOS’s School-Community Partnerships department is on a mission to deliver a Calming Corner Kit to every school in Kern County. The kit, designed to help students regulate their emotions and reset during stressful moments, is part of a larger effort to foster supportive learning environments that prioritize emotional health.

This project, led by school conditions climate coordinators Jeffrey Coggan and Nikol Manning, is funded through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Capacity Grant. 

KCSOS is working in partnership with local school districts through a countywide CYBHI Capacity Grant Consortium, which aims to enhance behavioral health services and operational readiness across Kern County.

The initiative began after Coggan was inspired by a similar project in San Diego County. Recognizing the potential benefits for students in Kern County, he proposed using Capacity Grant funds to launch a countywide distribution effort. By December 2024, orders had been placed, and the delivery process was structured into six phases. 

The first phase of deliveries began in February 2025, with the goal of reaching over 270 individual schools by Spring 2026.

Each kit includes a fidget set, breathing ball, weighted lap puppy, liquid timer, noise-canceling headphones, and a bean bag chair. While schools have flexibility in determining their setup, KCSOS encourages placing Calming Corners in quiet, easily accessible locations such as libraries, unused classrooms, or designated wellness spaces.

“A Calming Corner is a simple but powerful tool,” said Manning. “Our goal is to give every student a space where they feel safe and supported, no matter what they’re going through.”

Both Manning and Coggan have personally taken on the task of delivering the kits to schools across the county—an experience that has demonstrated how meaningful these resources can be, particularly for rural schools. 

“These face-to-face interactions allow us the opportunity to engage with school staff, hear their concerns, and share ideas about mental and behavioral health support for students,” said Coggan. 

One delivery that stood out for Manning was to Peak to Peak Mountain Charter on Valentine’s Day earlier this month. The school, which is located at the base of the Grapevine, called the kit an unexpected Christmas gift.

While the initiative will take time to ensure kits reach every school in Kern County, KCSOS is eager to see its long-term impact. Manning noted that while data collection and feedback from schools will help measure success, the real indicators will be student engagement and teacher observations.

“If a student is struggling and they know they have a safe place to regroup, that’s a win,” Manning said. 

“The more we normalize emotional regulation in schools, the better our students will be able to navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.”

The initiative has already reached several schools, including General Shafter, Di Giorgio Elementary, and Realms Charter School, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. 

Schools interested in learning more about the project or implementing a Calming Corner can contact Jeffrey Coggan at jecoggan@kern.org or Nikol Manning at nimanning@kern.org.