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At HSDC's Family Preschool, children are encouraged and nutured
in a bilingual environment where both American Sign Language
(ASL) and English (spoken and written) are cornerstones for developing
a solid
foundation in language and literacy, as well as a positive self
esteem. |
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The Family Preschool is a dynamic, developmentally appropriate
learningcenter for 3 to 5 year old children who are deaf, deaf-blind,
or hard of hearing. The program is also open to hearing children
who are being raised in a signing environment. |
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We believe children advance to the best
of their abilities when their emerging skills are reinforced in
a context of acceptance and respect. Using a team approach, we
provide parents, siblings, extended family and caregivers with
the education and emotional support to create an environment that
promotes a child's natural development of: |
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Partnering with Families |
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The Family Preschool philosophy of “Family Centered Education” providesthe
unique opportunity for families to become a partner in the learning
experience. |
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 Involvement in classroom planning & activities
Sharing of family ethnic & cultural traditions
Weekly family ASL classes
Weekly parent support group with a licensed family counselor
and a licensed social worker.
Deaf parent group
Sibling group
Regular home visits
Community resource connections and speakers
Advocacy training
Interaction with members of the Deaf Community
Interpreters for families who speak other languages
Library of resource materials on Deaf Culture, education, ASL,
children’s books, videos, etc.
Transition to Kindergarten support |
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Communication & Language Development |
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At the Family Preschool, our bilingual teaching reflects ASL
as the
language of the Deaf Community and English as the language of the
majority. Our program embraces communication and language as crucial
to children’s linguistic, cognitive, emotional, and social
development. |
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We believe the natural acquisition of both ASL and English provides
the
foundation for a child’s transition to Kindergarten and for
a lifetime of
learning. To achieve this, our program includes the following: |
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Peer and adult models fluent in ASL and English
Visual & listening skills training
ASL instruction
Reading & writing development
Storytelling in ASL and spoken English
Speech-Language Pathologist skilled in working with deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing children |
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Learning Support |
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The educators at HSDC’s Family Preschool are committed
to nurturing the emotional, social, physical and academic growth
of children - to become their personal best. |
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Developmentally appropriate and research based curriculum
Internationally recognized early childhood philosophy
An environment that promotes learning through play
Opportunities to explore learning through art, drama, discovery, music, reading, and writing
Respect for self, others, and the environment
Kindergarten readiness |
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