Families throughout the Northshore with a child under the age of 3 who is Deaf or hard of hearing are active participants in our intensive early intervention education.

Recognizing the family as the most critical educational support in a young child’s life, Beverly School for the Deaf offers family support and education throughout the early intervention experience.  PIP is committed to providing children and families with a comprehensive, well rounded and intensive program.  American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English are equally valued and included.  PIP teachers are able to support development in children regardless of the type of hearing loss.  PIP teachers are familiar with many different hearing aids and types of cochlear implants and how to maximize the benefit of these technologies.

PIP services follow standards set by Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI) and the Department of Public Health (DPH).  PIP teachers work closely with the child’s Early Intervention service providers, audiologists or cochlear implant team, and other related service providers.

• Weekly Home Visits by staff provide a solid foundation for the child and family in their natural home environment.  PIP staff are knowledgeable in techniques which foster and develop communication in very young deaf children.  Focus is on supporting the family in understanding hearing loss, Deaf Culture and modeling strategies for developing communication including American Sign Language, spoken English, speech and auditory skill development.  Early literacy exposure throughout the child’s everyday routines and play experiences is critical.  Home visits are provided by both Deaf and hearing teachers.
• Weekly Playgroups are facilitated by PIP teachers and the Speech Language Therapist.  Playgroups offer parents the chance to meet and talk with other families raising a young deaf/hard of hearing child.  Children are supported in developing early play and social skills.  Activities are structured to address the child’s development of ASL, spoken English, speech and auditory skills. Playgroups are held on the Beverly School for the Deaf campus, allowing for immersion into a environment where communication is always accessible through the use of ASL and English.
• Assessments are performed on a regular basis.  PIP teachers work closely with families and caregivers to monitor the progress of each child by evaluating their ASL, Spoken English, and Speech and Auditory skill development.
• Weekly Parent Groups include both adult evening ASL classes and Saturday morning Family sign classes.
• Information sharing about workshops and other events happening in the community related to hearing loss, language development, ASL and deaf Culture

Transition to Preschool

The process of transition to preschool for families of Deaf and hard of hearing children can be very overwhelming.  Finding an appropriate environment that will meet the unique needs of the Deaf/hard of hearing preschooler is critical to completing their foundation of language so that they may become successful communicators and students.

Upon enrollment to PIP, teachers continuously monitor the child’s progress.  PIP teachers are available to be an active member of the child’s transition team in the following manner:

• Attend Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings with the family and town
• Tour suggested preschool placement classrooms with the family
• Support the fa mily by educating them of their rights
• Provide names of agencies that may be of further support
• Develop a Transition Report with Educational Recommendations

Assessments are used to guide the family and teachers in outlining what the child requires to reach their maximal potential as they enter the school age portion of their education.  This information is utilized by the teachers to develop a comprehensive transition report.  The report is written to aid in the development of the IEP and includes current communication skill levels and recommendations for educational supports and goals for communication skill development (ASL, spoken English, audition and literacy).

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For more information, please contact Jessica Fox:
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Parent-Infant/Toddler Program Coordinator