The Parent-Infant/Toddler Program (PIP) supports families with children under 5 years who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) throughout the North Shore and greater Boston area. Our Specialty Service Providers support the child, family, and early intervention (EI) team. They explore communication options, provide education on the impact of hearing loss on language, learning, and social-emotional development, and support hearing aid or cochlear implant use. American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English are equally valued and included. We offer home visits, playgroups, and family-focused programming. Our PIP services follow standards set by Massachusetts EI and the Department of Public Health.
PIP follows standards set by Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI) and the Department of Public Health (DPH). PIP teachers work closely with the child’s Early Intervention service providers, audiologists or cochlear implant team, and other related service providers.
- Weekly Home Visits provide a solid foundation for the child and family in their home environment. PIP staff are knowledgeable in techniques which foster and develop communication in very young deaf children. The focus is on supporting the family in understanding hearing loss, Deaf Culture and modeling strategies for developing communication including ASL, spoken English, speech and auditory skill development. Home visits are provided by both Deaf and Hearing teachers.
- Playgroups offer parents the chance to meet and talk with other families raising a young deaf/hard of hearing child. Activities address the child’s development of ASL, spoken English, speech and auditory skills.
- Assessments are performed on a regular basis. PIP teachers work closely with families and caregivers to monitor the progress of each child by evaluating their ASL, Spoken English, and Speech and Auditory skill development.
- Weekly Parent Groups includes adult evening ASL classes.