Course Overview

ASL and English Bilingualism at home and in school promotes healthy language development and communication, and creates positive self esteem among deaf/hard of hearing children from diverse backgrounds. This course/seminar is designed for professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively with diverse families and other professionals to support the bilingual development and education of young deaf and hard of hearing children. Participants will discuss a working model of bilingual language acquisition (American Sign Language and English), approaches to providing support and encouragement to families, ways to promote positive communication with families , ways to promote positive communication with families, and the creation of culturally responsive and inclusively early childhood educational communities for all families. In addition, participants will apply a basic working knowledge of Part C and Part B of the IDEA regulations as members of an early childhood education team.