Stay and Study provides deaf and hard-of-hearing students from outside the Edmonton area with a host family while they attend specialized education programs in the city. The program offers a language enriched environment, qualified professionals, positive role models, and help for students to stay connected with their natural families.
“Who is eligible for Stay and Study?”
- Children and youth with a diagnosed hearing loss, including mild to profound losses, and those with cochlear implants
- Students between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age who live 150 kilometers or more from Edmonton
“Is Stay and Study funding available?”
- Connect Society will work with families to secure any available funding from the province and/or their local school board.
- Costs may or may not be fully covered.
"What does Stay and Study offer?"
The program supports both parents and host families to develop and meet each student's educational and social goals.
Host family support:
- Regular home visits
- Recreation and cultural opportunities
- A support network of host families
- Ongoing training, including child development, communication skills and community resources
Natural family support:
- Monthly communication and updates on the child's progress
- Regular meetings with the student's teachers and reports to parents to promote the educational goals chosen by parents and students
Student support:
- Individualized life-skills planning to challenge students to be self-directed
- Links to other resources and qualified professionals according to need
- A focus on language development and cultural diversity
- Transition planning to foster independence on leaving school
“How do I find out more?”