Early Childhood Services provide daily, on-site preschool and kindergarten programming for children who have a hearing loss. Parents are involved in a meaningful and active way in their child’s education and growth. The program is also available to hearing children of deaf or hard-of-hearing parents.
The Early Childhood Services staff are knowledgeable about early childhood development, hearing loss and its impacts. Programs are set up to purposefully provide children with opportunities to develop strong language abilities and to build skills and strategies that will prepare them for interaction in educational and community settings.
The Early Childhood Services team includes qualified hearing and deaf teaching staff, family literacy staff, speech language pathologists and a social worker. Occupational and Physical Therapists work on site as needed.
“How does my child qualify for the program?”
The program accepts:
- Children whose language is impacted by a diagnosed permanent mild to profound hearing loss
- Children with Cochlear Implants
- Children with more complex needs
- Children who have normal hearing and a deaf or hard-of-hearing parent
- Limited space is available for children who do not fit the requirements
- Children must be between the ages of 2 ½ and 5 ½.
“What does the program offer my child?”
Language enriched classroom instruction:
- Classroom options that support and encourage a child’s whole development, with an emphasis on speech and language skills
- Specialized family literacy component
- Classes are Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Speech language services:
- Daily group or individual speech therapy, auditory training and rhythm/music activities
- Ongoing formal and informal assessment
An optimal listening experience:
- Sound field amplification systems in each classroom
- Daily monitoring of all hearing aids and cochlear implants
- Collaboration with your child's audiologist
Occupational and Physical Therapy Services:
- Available to support individual and group development activities in the classroom
- American Sign Language
“What can the program offer me as a parent?”
- In home consultation and support by teaching staff offers you coaching, information, resources and strategies to help you with your child’s development.
- Speech language pathologists regularly update you on your child's progress.
Other programs and services available to your child and family:
- Family Support Services meets with parents to discuss and share information, resources and referrals on issues that parents might identify. You can also receive support as your child transitions from preschool to a school-aged program.
- The Family Literacy Program provides home and centre based activities that promote early literacy and social interaction skills for children. A resource lending library is available to parents.
- School buses are available to transport your child, or you may choose to drive them yourself. Mileage costs are supported.
- The In-Home Sign Communication Program provides an instructor in your home to develop signed communication skills with your family.
“How do I find out more?”