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The Family Infant Program at New York School for the Deaf is a comprehensive, family centered intervention program designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing children as well as their families.
Children may begin the program at birth – or as soon as a hearing loss has been diagnosed – and remain until they are ready to transition to preschool. Funded by the New York State Department of Education, the program’s services are provided at no cost to families. |
Our staff members are certified or licensed in their specific area of expertise, and have the unique qualifications to provide an effective educational program for children with a hearing loss. The program’s ultimate goal is to have each child reach his or her full potential and to give parents the tools, support and information they need to create an optimal learning environment for their child, make informed choices and be a strong advocate for their child.
The program includes individual educational sessions with a teacher of the deaf, held in the family’s home or at the school. Playgroup sessions, held at school, give children the chance to learn as a part of a group, socialize with peers, and develop the necessary skills for a smooth transition to preschool. Parents have the opportunity to meet other families and staff, receiving further support and information. Our 2 year-olds may receive additional individual speech services provided by Speech Language Pathologists on staff as well as individual ASL classes. Educational meetings are offered to help parents expand their knowledge of issues related to their child’s hearing loss as well as early childhood development in general.
Families that participate in the Family Infant Program also gain access to the many resources available through the New York School for the Deaf. For example, the school provides American Sign Language classes free of charge to parents of deaf children.
We have a lending library of books and educational videos for parents to borrow. Our Educational Audiologist is equipped to test and monitor children’s hearing, trouble-shoot various hearing devices, such as digital hearing aids, FM systems and cochlear implants. |
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Fanwood’s Family Infant Program offers parents:
• Strategies to maximize their child’s cognitive and language development • Information to create an optimal learning environment for deaf and hard of hearing infants/toddlers • Information to make decisions regarding communication options • Introduction to American Sign Language and Deaf Culture • Audiological services and support • Assistance in the transition process and choosing the most appropriate preschool placement • Networking opportunities with other families and professionals |
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For more information about Fanwood’s infant education program, contact Marla Rachlin via email: MRachlin@nysd.net
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