The Early Childhood located at the Terrace School uses a combination of specially-designed instructional approaches and grade-level curricula.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Early Childhood Program

Young children learn best by doing. Through play-based activities and teacher-led lessons, students explore, experiment, discover, solve problems, master skills, and build self-esteem in a warm, caring, and structured educationally environment. To address the unique, individual needs of students, the early childhood classrooms use two distinctly different best-practice methodologies. In the oral classroom, students are taught by experienced staff trained in the oral method of instruction. In the total communication classroom, students are taught by experienced staff who are trained in the total communication method of instruction. All students have opportunities to interact with hearing students who serve as language models and communication partners. In addition, all students participate in field trips and other school events with general education students.

The certified/licensed staff is comprised of highly qualified teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing, interpreters, audiologists, ALD technician, speech language pathologists, school psychologists, social workers, and physical/occupational therapists. All team members are trained in communication methodologies to support students in their learning environment. The team is knowledgeable and experienced in amplification, cochlear implants, and the impact of a hearing loss on language, speech, and academic development. Highly qualified paraprofessionals are an integral part of the program and work closely with the certified/licensed staff in providing assistance to students that supports programmatic and individual needs.

• Access to general education curriculum through individualization and adaptation of core academic programs.
• Research-based curriculum and instruction in literacy, math, science, and social studies.
• Intensive communication and language development including the use of oral communication, total communication, visual supports, and aural training.
• Assistive and instructional technology to provide individualized access to learning, promoting greater independence.
• Positive behavioral supports (PBIS) that foster students’ self-confidence, independence, and positive attitude towards learning.
• Participation with same-age peers in academic and social settings.
• Life skills instruction that addresses social, communication, daily living, and leisure/recreational skills.
• Opportunities for participation in building-wide activities, including field trips and assemblies.
• A collaborative partnership between program and family that enhances students’ communication development and success.
• Audiological support to assess student’s degree of hearing loss and impact on learning, make recommendations, and provide support.
• The Assistive Listening Device (ALD) Technician provides support to staff and students to create an optimum listening environment for students

Program Supports

• Audiological services
• Assistive listening devices
• Consultation and coaching
• Experiential leaning at Sunrise Lake Outdoor Education Center
• Instructional technology
• Sign language classes for families 
• Partnerships with special recreation associations
• Sign Language Interpreters 

Proactive Behavioral Supports

NSSEO is committed to providing high-quality care and supports in a respectful, safe environment through the ongoing training of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® (NVCI), developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).  NVCI is embraced worldwide as a highly effective behavior management system and provides a solid foundation to structure prevention and intervention approaches based on a philosophy of providing the best possible Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security (SM) for students and staff.  NSSEO provides annual training using CPI’s enhanced content to staff with ongoing supports from certified trainers to ensure safe and quality care. The strategies provide staff with an effective framework for decision making and problem solving to prevent, de-escalate, and safely respond to behavior.  Please visit CPI’s website for more information:

https://www.crisisprevention.com/