Early Intervention: Resources for Early Language and Communication Developmen

In the last issue of Brain Builders, we shared an article about research on language development and an app that provides text messages for parents encouraging positive relationships and support for early learning at home.  Parents can text “BLOOM” to 95577 to sign up. If you work with families of young children, please share this free program with them. 

Another great resource has been developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) especially for parents to track your child’s development.  Parents can download this new app that will track the child’s development and also provide resources and information appropriate to your child’s developmental level.  

Check it out at their website: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html.  

There is a link to the app as well as printable materials providers can use and a quiz to test yourself on developmental milestones. 

Children’s brains grow rapidly, and language and communication development should be expected to develop generally at the same rate regardless of hearing levels, as long as the child is provided access to language.  However, some children may develop in some areas more quickly than others.  Our providers and partners through the Center are equipped with specialized knowledge, skills and resources to help parents avoid barriers and unlock the potential of each child. 

If you know of a family in need of specialized early intervention services available through the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network, contact us at 1-855-875-5193 or email cdhhenetwork@isdh.in.gov.

We are also interested in expanding our pool of early intervention providers in order to offer services to every child identified with hearing loss in every part of the state of Indiana.  We currently have providers who drive great distances if necessary to ensure families have access to our specialized services, and we would love to have more providers on our team as we continue to find newly identified children through the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program.

If you are interested in joining our CDHHE Network, please contact Cindy Lawrence at 317-232-0899 or clawrence@isdh.in.gov.  If you have questions about qualifications to become a First Steps provider through our network please don’t hesitate to contact us.