Brain Builders' Corner: Early Intervention

The CDHHE EI Network: SKI-HI Parent Advisor training

Cindy Lawrence, Early Intervention and Transition Coordinator

Our CDHHE Network, the specialized Network for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children serving children and families in the birth to 3 year age range, is in need of more SKI-HI Parent Advisors to empower and educate parents about such topics as infant and toddler development, audiology testing and results, auditory and visual technology, use of natural environments and routines, and navigating information about communication.

Parent Advisors provide ongoing early intervention home visits utilizing the SKI-HI curriculum and resources for families learning about early communication, listening, assistive technology, American Sign Language, visual communication, spoken language and more.

SKI-HI Parent Advisor training will take place again June 8, 9 and 10 (part 1) and July 12, 13 and 14 (part 2). Please contact Cindy Lawrence at 317-232-0899 or e-mail at clawrence@isdh.in.gov if you are interested or want to know more about qualifications to become an early interventionist with our specialized CDHHE Network. 

The Joint Commission on Infant Hearing (JCIH) position statement indicates that timely access to quality early  intervention (EI) providers who have the core knowledge and skills necessary is a critical component of a successful Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) System.

Our EI team works closely with the EHDI and First Steps system to close the gap of time from identification to implementation of those early services. During the spring months, we have also presented to each of the Indiana System Point of Entry clusters — sharing information about our network and best practices for deaf and hard of hearing early intervention services. This increased awareness and support for deaf and hard of hearing children and families has led to a greater need for more qualified EI providers,

Our purpose in early intervention is to empower parents and families to build a strong foundation in the brain. Communication and language connections promote future academic, social, and emotional development. Child-adult relationships that are responsive and attentive — with lots of back and forth interactions — build a strong foundation in a child’s brain for all future learning and development. 

One helpful resource for families regarding strong child-adult relationships comes from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child.

These videos demonstrate how parents encourage that back and forth interaction with their children. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/.

If you are interested in joining our CDHHE Network or have questions about the qualifications to become a First Steps provider, contact Cindy Lawrence at 317-232-0899 or CLawrence@isdh.in.gov.