Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Preschool Program
We provide the only preschool program in Northwestern Pennsylvania for the child who is deaf and hard of hearing. Children attending the program benefit from the knowledge and experience of the lead teacher, a certified teacher of the deaf and licensed speech/language pathologist. An audiologist, a speech therapist, and a classroom assistant work hand-in-hand with the teacher to deliver an enriched curriculum to encourage the child's total development.
Any degree of hearing loss can affect a child's ability to learn and to communicate, which explains the importance of beginning appropriate intervention and education as early as possible. Early intervention for children with hearing impairments uses a structured language program, with a total communication approach, to allow each child to develop a "voice." Total communication relies on whatever means are necessary to allow the child to communicate. Led by family preference, the individualized communication system may include any combination of speaking, sign language, picture communication, and/or electronic communication devices.
A state-of-the-art auditory FM loop system helps the children maximize their hearing ability. This advanced technology transmits the teacher's voice, using an FM signal, directly to each hearing aid, which blocks out all background noise.
Additional Innovative Services:
- Evening sign language course: a program taught by the teacher of our deaf and hard of hearing classroom for family and friends needing instruction.
- Fast ForWord: a neuroscience approach to reading intervention, computer based listening/processing program.
- FM auditory loop system: a system that provides an optimal listening environment
- Planned opportunities to interact with typical peers who serve as speech and language role models
- Community based instruction: a program that includes outings into the community twice a month for "hands-on" learning.
