The Early Intervention / Parent–Infant Program
The Early Intervention (Parent–Infant) Program at Summit Speech School gives parents and caregivers the knowledge, skills, and confidence to help their babies and toddlers learn to listen and talk. Services are individualized and can be provided in the home, in childcare settings, or via telehealth. Our certified Teachers of the Deaf (ToDs) guide families through understanding hearing loss, using hearing technology effectively, and supporting early language development during everyday routines.
When families choose Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) outcomes, our professionals partner with them to educate, demonstrate, coach, and advocate as their child learns to listen and speak.
What Families Learn and Gain
Our Early Intervention Program provides support, education, and parent coaching so families:
- Understand their child’s hearing loss and how it affects development
- Become familiar and comfortable with hearing tests and hearing technology
- Learn strategies to build auditory, language, speech, and social skills
- Integrate listening and language into daily routines
- Become confident advocates in medical, social, and educational settings
Families become part of the Summit Speech School community, where they receive resources, hands‑on guidance, and ongoing support throughout the birth‑to‑three years and beyond.
How We Support Listening and Spoken Language Development
Our Teachers of the Deaf continually assess each child’s progress across developmental areas, with special attention to access to sound and the acquisition of auditory and language skills. Children learn to “listen to learn,” building the foundation for understanding words, phrases, sentences, and conversation.
We coach families to:
- Use play‑based activities that encourage listening
- Model effective auditory‑verbal strategies
- Build language into everyday routines
- Sing, read, play, and talk throughout the day
- Support listening during family interactions
Babies are ready to communicate long before they speak—our role is to help families nurture that potential.
We also provide materials in multiple languages and use interpreters or translation services to ensure every family feels informed and supported.
Sound Beginnings & Group Family Sessions
Sound Beginnings is Summit Speech School’s toddler program, offering weekly two‑hour sessions that include Parent Support Groups and Parent Education Groups. These sessions are a vital part of our comprehensive Early Intervention model.
Families meet in person or via telehealth to share experiences, learn from one another, and build community. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are all welcome. Sessions often include guest speakers such as audiologists, Teachers of the Deaf, parents of older students, and adults with hearing loss. Groups are facilitated by Nancy Schumann, Program Coordinator.
Toddler Group: Learning Through Play
The Toddler Group is a dynamic, play‑based experience facilitated by a Teacher of the Deaf, an Occupational Therapist, and a Speech‑Language Pathologist (LSLS Cert. AVEd). Children participate in:
- Language‑rich play activities
- Singing and music
- Sensory exploration
- Story time
- Peer interaction with other children using hearing technology
“Learning to Listen” experiences include technology checks and practice with detection and discrimination skills. Families can observe through an observation room and consult with professionals about progress and next steps.
A Partner for Every Step
Summit Speech School serves as a trusted resource for families, offering up‑to‑date information on:
- Oral deaf education
- Audiology
- Hearing technology
- Best practices for Listening and Spoken Language outcomes
We guide families through the transition from Early Intervention to Preschool and continue to support them as their children grow.
For more information please contact: Brittany Pare, Director of Early Childhood bpare@summitspeech.org
