Preschool

The Indiana School for the Deaf offers a comprehensive educational program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children aged eighteen months to five years. Our curriculum design supports a child-centered program incorporating teachers as facilitators of the learning environment. As students engage in hands-on activities in a variety of developmentally appropriate learning centers, they gain skills necessary to prepare them for the elementary years.

Philosophy. The major goal of the Preschool program is to provide linguistic, social, and intellectual experiences to enable the students to develop literacy in two languages - American Sign Language and English. Culturally, the students are offered experiences which will enhance the acquisition of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of the Deaf and Hearing communities. Caring adults provide experiences which support each child's self-esteem and pride in family, community, ethnic, and linguistic heritage. Each student is afforded the opportunity to engage in active learning which forms the foundation for the positive development of cognitive, physical, and social abilities while establishing his/her identity in the world today.

Parental involvement, knowledge, and support are critical to the success of the child and the educational program. Therefore, the Preschool program provides the opportunity for families to become involved in their child's future through continued participation in the Deaf Community, family learning workshops, classes in American Sign Language, and literacy activities. Together we ensure the best possible education for young Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.