Early Intervention of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Clinic workers working with a child

Early Intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families:

  • Preschool Program (3-5 years)
  • Family Education and Support
    • Parent support/information group
    • Family sign class
    • D/HH Resource Center

Preschool program

The Preschool Program is specifically designed for children (ages 3-5) with impaired hearing. Communication and family involvement are key components of the preschool program which emphasizes the child's development in the areas of language, cognition, speech, auditory perceptual and social skills.

Within the classroom, learning opportunities are provided in an encouraging atmosphere that nurtures independence, positive peer interactions and the belief in self (I Can!). The preschool philosophy "learning should be fun," comes to life three hours each morning, four days per week in the classroom. An additional morning is designated for individualized on-going assessment, home/clinic visits and program planning to best meet the needs of each child and family. The preschool program provides:

  • Low child to teacher ratio
  • CED and state certified teacher, D/HH; ECSE
  • Developmental curriculum
  • Family Involvement
  • Community field trips
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Observation room
  • Ongoing diagnostic evaluation
  • Individualized speech sessions
  • Audiological Services

Family education and support

Family Education and Support services are offered to provide families with important resources and networking opportunities with which to stimulate their own family's growth and development. These services allow families to learn and share information regarding the impact of hearing loss on every aspect of family interaction and educational decision-making.

  • Parent support/information group
  • Family sign class
  • D/HH Resource Center

New Mothers: Is your baby on track?

Quote from our Family Education and Support Group:

"It was good to meet other parents who had children with hearing loss. We could discuss problems we were having and what worked and what didn't."

 

For more information about this program, please email: TaraOetting@MissouriState.edu