Programs for Children

Programs for Children

Our programs serve children with hearing loss and communication challenges from birth through age 18, and families are included! The purpose of providing ongoing services is to ensure that children and families always have access to help when they need it and have access to a community that empowers its members.

Infants & Toddlers

Infant Toddler Communication Program (0-3)

The infant toddler communication program is here to support families and children with speech and communication delays. Delays with children can happen for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason, our class is available to support children and families during this crucial developmental time. We use high quality language and literacy practices and provide strategies for parents and families. Using routine and embedded instruction, our curriculum motivates communication, stimulates language use and promotes listening skills while strengthening each child’s speech skills. Goals and objectives for each child are implemented in curricular activities that integrate current research. Best practices are used to address children’s receptive and expressive language skills, fine and gross motor development, thinking skills and developmental goals.

The class is Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The class size is six to seven toddlers. During the pandemic, the time has changed from 9:00-11:45 a.m. We are limiting our class size to three toddlers since it is a parent coaching model, with handouts, and live interventions, and suggestions. We work on respectful separations. We start with a few days where you stay the whole time and we have you leave for longer and longer periods of time after saying goodbye to your student. We also offer distance learning zoom classes or a combo of zoom and in-person if needed. For low-income kiddos we offer a distance learning box that has materials, books and recipes for paint and playdough.

To schedule a tour please call (415) 921-7658 ext. 27 or email regina@hearingspeech.org.

Our program can be accessed through GGRC services and Private Pay. For families that find private pay a hardship we generously provide scholarships through the funds we raise. If you would like to donate to this fund please click here.

Ages 3-5 | Chatterbug School

Philosophy

Chatterbug School’s approach stimulates language, cognitive, motor and social skills development, preparing each child for a successful transition to Kindergarten. Kindergarten-readiness skills include pre-reading skills, pre-math skills, physical development and social development.

The program at Chatterbug School is a planned limited-enrollment program to deliver instruction carefully designed to teach age-appropriate skills in child-centered activities, while focusing on individual needs to address your child’s growth and self-esteem, in addition to family concerns while developing a home-school partnership.

The Chatterbug School at the Hearing and Speech Center integrates with our programs for children with hearing loss and speech delays. These mainstream opportunities are vital to children with special needs and also increase the learning and social growth of children without disabilities. Children at Chatterbug School benefit from an enriched academic environment and social growing opportunities.

Curriculum

Curriculum at San Francisco Chatterbug School is thematic and play-based. Thematic planning ensures that a continual theme runs throughout the preschool monthly. This ensures consistency and supports child learning. Play-based curriculum strengthens what children do best, learn. They develop social skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, reasoning skills, coping skills and problem-solving skills.

Art & Music

Art is centered around a monthly theme, encourages children to be creative and is held daily. Music is also held daily and gives children another creative avenue in which to express themselves.

Field Trips

Field trips are part of the curriculum at San Francisco Chatterbug School. Field trips are taken to enhance and make connections to topics and concepts previously learned about at school.

Typical Daily Routine (Times are approximate.)

Typical Daily Routine (Times are approximate.)

Ages 6-13 | Listen Up!

Our program consists of working with all Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children between the ages of 6 and 13 who reside in San Francisco. Our services include:

• Weekly after-school programs
• Monthly events that will allow students to explore the city and connect with peers
• Annual summer camps in partnership with YMCA’s Camp Jones Gulch
• Academic tutoring

Ages 13-18 | Future Links

Our future Links Program for youth you are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing is a city-wide program that focuses on transition curriculum preparing youth for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Future Links will support youth with hearing loss on cultural identity and self-advocacy skills throughout the year.

Families

HEAR U: Pediatric Hearing & Speech/Language Series

Presenters will discuss milestones and treatment options in audiology and speech/language. This class will help guide you through the wide range of resources available for children with communication needs.

HEAR U are a series of classes provided at no cost to participants, but donations are gladly accepted. Your support helps us continue our educational programs.

Cochlear Implant Support for Children & Families

The Hearing and Speech Center provides comprehensive support to cochlear implant recipients and candidates through a partnership with the UCSF Cochlear Implant Center. Our program, Cochlear Implant Interconnect, will connect your family with a team dedicated to helping you and your child navigate the process of obtaining a cochlear implant and meeting your communication goals. Services include educational guidance, counseling, speech therapy, and support tailored to your needs.