International Onsite Summer Sessions > Overview
Parent Program > All parent classes and meetings are conducted in English
- Parents are the primary students in these summer sessions! They learn how to enhance their child’s auditory-oral skills and participate daily in preschool classes to practice techniques. During the day through one-way mirrors parents observe their child in class and speech/language lessons. Parents attend lectures, demonstrations and panels to obtain guidance in their roles as first teachers and main advocates for their children. Support groups are held for parents to explore their emotions as they discover new information. Professionals provide individual consultations to help families maximize their learning and plan for their return home. Parents are encouraged to identify individual goals for attending.
- General goals for parents include:
- 1. Understanding hearing loss and language development
2. Designing auditory-oral learning experiences
3. Determining strategies for appropriate amplification
4. Discussing decisions for a child's education
5. Meeting and sharing with families worldwide
Preschool Program > All classes use a spoken language approach
Children ages 2-5 who are deaf or hard of hearing participate in a preschool program with an auditory-oral focus. Teachers trained in early childhood hearing loss design group and individual activities to strengthen listening and spoken language skills. Typical classroom routines include free play, circle time, snack, art, reading, outside motor games and language learning experiences. Parents participate directly in classroom experiences daily to develop their own skills working with their children and to better understand their children’s learning style and needs. The classroom becomes a shared learning environment where effective strategies are identified by the team of staff and parents.. Daily Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 9:00A.M.-3:00P.M., Friday, 9:00A.M. - Noon Lunch and naptime are part of school.
Goals for preschoolers include:
1. Participating in a stimulating daily spoken language preschool program
2. Receiving audiological, education and speech-language assessments
3. Engaging in individual and group sessions using auditory-verbal techniques
4. Using their individual amplification to maximize their listening skills
5. Playing, communicating, exploring, learning, and having fun all day
Sibling Program > All classes are conducted in English
The sibling program is designed for brothers and sisters who are school age but under 12 years old. The siblings participate in drama, art, water and outdoor activities. They also learn about spoken language, listening and amplification devices through hands-on experiences. They participate in a support group to discuss feelings with sisters and brothers from other states and countries. They discover similarities with other siblings, learn from their peers and make new friends. The sibling program sessions take place at John Tracy Clinic but are completely separate from the preschool classes. The sibs eat lunch daily with their parents. The schedule is Mon-Thurs, 9:00A.M.-Noon and 1:00-3:00P.M. Fri, 9:00A.M.-Noon
Goals for siblings include:
1. learning about hearing loss
2. celebrating individual skills
3. recognizing roles of siblings
4. making friends and having fun
Speech-language Assessments
Preschooler plays with oatsSpeech-language therapists guide children in the classrooms and individual sessions. Opportunities are designed learning language and using speech in play and natural routines. Each child’s spoken and receptive language, communication, and listening skills are assessed. Parents observe and participate in sessions with their child and discuss their questions and concerns in conferences with the speech-language teachers. Suggestions are made for strategies to be used in the child’s educational and home environment. JTC’s team aims to promote child and family success.
Audiology Services > Recent audiology results required for acceptanced into Summer Sessions
Pediatric audiologists work closely with the parents, the preschool educators and speech-language staff to determine how to best meet a child’s needs. Families can participate in their child’s hearing testing, hearing equipment device analysis and parent counseling regarding hearing loss.
Hearing testing can include behavioral, visual reinforcement and play audiometry; speech awareness and discrimination;and documenting listening skills with and without amplification. Information on hearing aids, assistive listening devices and cochlear implants is included in the parent classes. Audiologists help parents understand their child’s hearing skills and assist with troubleshooting about any device concerns.
Consultation Services
Counselors, psychologists and occupational therapists collaborate with teachers and speech-language therapists. The professionals form a team with the family to provide hope, guidance and encouragement. Parents meet individually with specialists from their team to discuss their child’s needs and progress. Everyone works together to determine strategies that will promote child and family success. The combination of adult instruction and child services can be an intensive experience for parents. Support groups are designed to assist families with sharing and recognizing their emotions. Over time the other parents become part of the support system and families bond with one another.