For The Preschooler Who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing (ages 2-5)

Description of the Program

Preschoolers who are deaf or hard of hearing participate in a socially-interactive group experience, which takes place in an auditory/oral language-learning environment. There are two classrooms with 10-12 children each. Every child participates in small and large group activities to promote spoken language, and each one receives a daily, individual speech and language lesson. The lessons are presented at the child's level of development. Each child also receives audiological and educational assessments.

Auditory/Oral School Environment

In an effort to provide an auditory/oral language-learning environment, sign language will not be used in the classroom setting. However, there are staff members who understand signs, and they will be able to respond orally to a child's communication in sign language. We are requesting that those families who are using a Total Communication approach with their child, work on auditory/oral skills during the three weeks of the Summer Session while in the school setting.

Preparing Your Preschool Child

We are looking forward to a busy and exciting Summer Session. Here are some important tips to help you plan for the preschool program.

Separation

At John Tracy Clinic we are very supportive of the parent-child bond, and we never force separation. However, to get the maximum benefit of parent classes and support groups, you may want to separate from your child and join the other parents. If your preschool child has never been separated from you or a primary caregiver (such as a nanny), we strongly encourage you to provide separation experiences for your child prior to your trip here. This will make the adjustment to the school setting that much easier for you and your child. You will remain with your child until he or she is comfortable with your leaving. It is important that you say, "Good-bye" to your child before leaving him. You may want to make a little book to explain the process. Even after you leave, you will be just down the hallway in your parent classes.

If your child continues to cry for 10-12 minutes, you will be asked to return to the preschool classroom to remain with your child for the rest of the day. It is not unusual for children to have some separation anxiety in a new place with new people. Begin the separation process now.

Tips for a Successful Preschool Experience:

1. Please bring your child to school wearing hearing aids and/or cochlear implant. Remember to bring a supply of extra batteries and cords with you.

2. There will be a nap/rest time for all of the children every afternoon (12:30-2:00). Please bring a small blanket, pillow and whatever your child likes to have as comfort when resting or sleeping. Resting/sleeping in a new place is often difficult for young children. You may be asked to stay with your child the first few days until your child is comfortable with this daily routine.

3. Please dress your child in appropriate clothes for a preschool. This includes closed-toed shoes for climbing, jumping and running (sandals are not appropriate), and clothes in which to enjoy messy activities. Preschool is an active environment where children participate!

4. Please send a healthy lunch every day in a bag or box on which your child's name is written. We will provide milk, water or juice at lunchtime and snack times.

5. Please send a swimming suit, towel and sunscreen for days we use our wading pool.

6. A change of clothes should be kept in your child's locker, along with training pants and disposable diapers if appropriate.

7. Sometimes we have cool weather in California in the summer (not too often!), but it is better to be safe than sorry. We recommend that you bring a jacket or sweater along, too.

8. Please bring copies of all records/evaluations that you have not previously mailed to us.

9. The last day of your Summer Session is "Picture Day" in the preschool. You will need to wait until then to bring your cameras and videos.

The school day starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Daily Schedule:

Monday-Thursday, 9:00A.M.-3:00P.M., LUNCH AND NAPTIME ARE AT SCHOOL. Friday, 9:00A.M. - Noon