The discovery that your child is Deaf or Hard of hearing is often overwhelming and Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (SDHHS) can provide information , referrals, and supports to help parents make the right choices for their child.
Goals of the Early Childhood and Family Support Program (ECFSP):
- To assist children and their families to access the language and literacy help they need for early learning
- To work with other programs and agencies to help families receive holistic supports
- To provide information on all options for children and families, in order for them to make informed decisions
Eligibility:
- Infants and children up to the age of 6 years old
- Children with a hearing loss and their families
- Hearing children with Deaf / Hard of Hearing parents
- Children with cochlear implants
- Must currently be a resident of Saskatchewan
Things you should know:
- It is vital to provide children with early stimulation and supports to ensure they build language and literacy
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing children need specialized supports geared to the unique needs of hearing loss to assist children to reach critical developmental stages
- Multi-disciplinary approaches involving physicians, audiologists, educators and other professionals can work with children and their families to help children be successful
- Connecting to other parents with Deaf/Hard of Hearing children and Deaf/ Hard of Hearing adults is a good way to help you make important decisions about communication, language, literacy, and exploring support systems
Early Childhood and Family Support Program Includes:
- Home visitation services
- Current information on infant/child development
- Consultations with direct services for families and services providers
- Family Education including workshops and activities
- Family supports through play groups, support group meetings, and referrals to local sources of community support
- Resources and information- including a lending library and website
- Information and referrals to appropriate community services
- Assist families to create a support team for their children with professional support services
