Philosophy:

Our teachers facilitate learning through oral/aural communication, development of receptive and expressive language skills, self concept and self-advocacy skills.

If the child requires Total Communication - sign language in addition to speech - an interpreter may be provided by the child's district.

We believe that most hearing impaired students benefit from the use of amplification systems in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio in the classroom. 

** Research shows that any hearing loss, mild to profound in one ear or both, stable or fluctuating, can impact educational performance.  Early identification, support and guidance in accepting and compensating for the loss minimize its effect.  Hard of hearing and deaf children can succeed with early intervention. 

TEACHERS OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING:

Certified Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing understand the implications of hearing loss on academics, socialization and life skills.  They provide specialized and individualized services for children ages birth to 21 years.  Hearing support services are usually provided in the child's district school.

Hearing Support teachers believe that collaboration with parents and the educational team are vital to the success of each child.  Teachers and parents work as a team to identify the child's needs and provide appropriate remediation and educational support. 

*PROGRAM SERVICES FOR STUDENTS*:

• Prepare students to meet the New York State Common Core Standards
• Develop spoken language.
• Reinforce academics.
• Maximize listening skills.
• Enhance speechreading skills.
• Improve and teach language skills.
• Monitor amplification devices.
• Provide emotional support and guidance, improving social skills and problem solving.
• Encourage self-advocacy.
• Service children with cochlear implants.
• Teach students about their individual hearing loss and communication strategies.
• Meet needs of child with Central Auditory Processing Difficulties.

PROGRAM SERVICES FOR PROFESSIONALS:

• Provide ongoing in-service to classroom teachers.
• Collaborate with consulting audiologist.
• Make recommendations to Committees on Special Education.
• Help develop the IEP.