Scranton School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children starts new toddler program

S. ABINGTON TWP. — The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children, 537 Venard Road, introduced a new toddler program, Choices for Children Early Intervention. Children, both hearing and non-hearing, come together to participate in various activities that use American Sign Language and English.

“The Choices for Children is an early intervention program that has been in existence for 50 years. The Choices for Children therapists coach families in the areas of literacy, child development, communication and language development,” said Tara Nikou, Choices for Children coordinator. “Teachers are often the first responders into the homes of deaf/hard-of-hearing children to evaluate the needs of the child and set the family on a productive course for learning and language development. The staff engage the family to develop communication skills utilizing American Sign Language and spoken English. The mission of the program is to ensure the development of the child in the years prior to school.”

Choices for Children Early Intervention program is a six-week program and is open to children from ages 1 to 3. The children and their caregivers meet on Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the toddler room at the school.

“We will focus on expanding language skills, both spoken English and Sign Language, through a variety of activities, music, stories and special events,” said Mary Ann Stefko, early childhood teacher. “Caregivers will learn alongside their children so that they can make most of their time together.”

The children participate in a welcome circle followed by play time. There is also time for a story, craft, a snack and fine and gross motor activities.

Jacob Hartman is 2 and hearing. He can sign 20 words.

“I have known Mary Ann Stefko a very long time. She involves us in all these programs. He is learning sign language in these programs. It will open pathways for him,” said Molly Hartman, Jacob’s mother.

Kayden Sopich is 18 months and has dwarfism. He and his mom, Mary, travel from Tannersville for the programs.

He has sensorineural and has hearing loss in both ears.

“It is better to catch the hearing loss early. He is talking a lot more by participating in these early intervention programs,” said his mother, Mary Sopich.

The parents learned about the program through the Abington Community Library music program.

“These programs allow those who are deaf to get out into the community and to meet others in the community,” Nancy Burke, assistant children’s librarian. “The children see others signing, and they learn signs before they can speak. If they are asking for their mom, they can sign mom. They are learning both the spoken word and the sign for it.”

Viktoriya Vasylynka is from Ukraine and a volunteer with the program.

“I love the program,” she said.

Maddie Hobbs is 9 months old and has sensorineural hearing loss.

“Her hearing loss will always be there and could get worse,” said her mom, Kate Hobbs. “The sounds she hears are muffled. This program will teach her sign language, and that is a big thing for me. It is easier for me to learn sign language being around others who know sign language. I wanted her to become involved in the community and get acclimated to it.”

Ellie Langan is a year old and has hearing loss in her right ear. She can hear out of her left ear.

“We have participated in other programs in the area,” said her mother, Kelsy Langan. “It is important for these children to have their own space. We get to meet other children in the area who someday she may go to school with. It is a great way for Ellie to learn a little better.”

Rhys Radzelovage and Willow Trently, both 3 and hearing, also participate in the program.

“I think there are many benefits to participating in the program, but the most significant is the early learning of sign language. We know that there are many benefits to exposing children to more than one language when they are young. At toddler group, children and their parents are exploring language in a play-based environment where they are using what they are learning and can take home and use it there. This is a huge benefit for everyone,” said Stefko.

There will be additional six-week programs. For information, call Mary Ann Stefko at the Scranton State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, at 570-585-1000.