Infants & Toddlers

RSD's Family Instructional and Resource Service Team (FIRST) provides for the needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing infants, toddlers, and twos, from newborn to age three. The FIRST team includes a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD), Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), ASL Teacher, School Psychologist, and Audiologist.  They work together using a variety of assessment and curriculum materials to meet the needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. We work with children and families in their homes, in the community, and at our Early Childhood Center (ECC) on the RSD campus.

Our home-based program (birth to 18 months) includes:

• Support for families as they adjust to the unique communication and socialization needs of their children.
• Regular visits from specially certified teachers of the deaf and speech teachers who are bilingual and fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, and who also work with children using all types of assistive devices including hearing aids and cochlear implants.
• Opportunities to network with Deaf and hard-of-hearing members of the RSD learning community who may provide:
• Access to other role models who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
• Insights into Deaf culture
• Assistance with learning ASL.
• Discussion of their life experiences.

Our center-based program (18 months through age 3) includes:

• Two or three half- or full-day sessions per week. Sessions gradually increase as the child grows and develops.
• Age-appropriate instruction, creative play and time for socialization from specially certified teachers who are bilingual and fluent in ASL and English.
• Continuation of home-based services, as needed.