New preschool focuses on hearing-impaired students

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* Students must:Be 3 years oldHave a diagnosed hearing lossHave a current speech language evaluation* All students are accepted on a case by case basis, considering his/her individual communication needs.* Tuition is $300, and extended hour child care is available. Classes run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.* To learn more about the Hearing Loss Preschool, call 622-6900 or visit speechhearing.com/speech-pathology/hearing-loss-preschool.

When Gilly Wiseman's son, Jones, failed his newborn hearing test, she was surprised. That quickly turned to concern when she found the city was lacking in programs focused on helping children with cochlear implants develop their language skills.

A new preschool class at East Brainerd Church of Christ changes that, and means children like Jones have access to the resources they need to be prepared for mainstream kindergarten.

Cochlear implants are surgically implanted medical devices that act as a hearing aid by replacing the function of the inner ear and allowing sound to travel to the brain, explained Speech and Hearing Center President and CEO Erica Newman, who is involved with the new preschool class.

"Some children don't pick up on sign language," Newman said. "This preschool gives children with hearing loss the best chance to be successful."

Wiseman, who has a background in public relations, said she was concerned someone with hearing loss could struggle to have the same opportunities as someone with hearing when it came time to apply for jobs.

"I didn't want Jones to be limited," she said of her decision to enroll him in the new preschool.

As Jones has spent time in the classes, Wiseman said she has seen huge improvements. Jones has developed slowly, and while he's still not talking very much, but he has absolutely improved, she said.

Classes are taught by certified speech language pathologists and listening and spoken language specialists who have experience in hearing loss classrooms.

There are currently only a few students in the course, and the daily classroom routine is segmented, including circle-time reading and art projects which involve colors and textures, Newman said.

The preschool places an emphasis on parent involvement, as auditory verbal therapy must be consistent throughout the day, said Newman. The parents are told what the children are learning - for instance, songs they are practicing in class - so they can replicate the therapy at home, Wiseman said.

"The goal of the preschool is to provide options," said Newman. "It's for parents who want oral language to prepare their children for mainstream kindergarten."

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