Early Language Acquisition

Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at MSD, like all young children, have the innate ability to learn languages. Young children who are deaf or hard of hearing will naturally acquire a language if it is made visually accessible to them during the crucial early years of language development.

 

Research shows that a strong first language can support the development of a second language. Young children who are deaf or hard of hearing are capable of learning more than one language in their early years. A strong foundation in ASL can support a child's acquisition of English, or any other language. At MSD, teachers collaborate with families to build skills needed to immerse deaf and hard of hearing children in ASL across all environments, enhancing their overall language development.

 

MSD recognizes the importance of supporting families in developing strong language skills for their deaf or hard of hearing child. We are committed to providing the necessary support to achieve this goal through home visits, parent classes, workshops, and partnerships between home and school.