Early Years Programme

Our ethos is to enable deaf children to maximise their full potential for early language development by immersing them in a bi-lingual, language rich and fun environment in accordance with each child’s specific individual needs.

This language rich approach forms the basis of the teaching and learning in the Early Intervention Setting. The AISTEAR Framework is used to encourage the development of language through play.

Our programme is delivered by highly qualified and experienced staff, both deaf and hearing, with the focus on encouraging the child’s oral and sign language development – i.e. spoken language (listening skills, speech skills, lip-reading skills) and Irish Sign Language (ISL).

Children participate in specially planned activities throughout the day which provide opportunities for each child’s linguistic, intellectual, social and emotional and physical growth. We provide opportunities to learn through play, exploration, experimentation and discovery. A hands-on approach is encouraged and each child is encouraged to develop at their own pace.

A typical day includes:

• Breakfast club
• Free play
• ISL Story-time
• Art and Crafts
• Specific language development depending on theme / topic of the week – focus on vocabulary – spoken and signed
• Gross motor skills development activities
• Fine motor skills development activities
• Sound Perception / Auditory Training
• Singing / Music / Dancing

We have expert knowledge and experience in the use of assistive technology. Many of the children have Personal F.M. Systems and there are Soundfield Systems in each of the classrooms. We have access to an Educational Audiologist and a Speech and Language Therapist.

Specialist Links

We maintain close links with other relevant professionals and advocate the importance of a multi-disciplinary team approach to the early intervention and education of young deaf children.

We work closely with the children’s Visiting Teachers’ of the Deaf, Speech and Language Therapists, Cochlear Implant Team in Beaumont, HSE Hearing Aid Services and DeafHear.ie. We also work closely with other relevant Early Intervention teams.