CONTRACTABLE SERVICES FOR EARLY INTERVENTION AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS:
Chattering Children offers specialized services in Educational Audiology, Deaf Education and Speech Language Pathology on a contract basis for early intervention services and school programs in the Washington Metropolitan Region. Services may be secured individually or in combination, on an hourly or as·needed basis, enabling Part-C agencies and local education agencies to provide high quality, specialized services in a cost-effective manner. The transdisciplinary professionals of Chattering Children are highly skilled, credentialed clinicians who are experienced in educational settings, comfortable collaborating with families and school staff, and knowledgeable about Special Education procedures.
Auditory Verbal Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology Services:
- For school-based speech language pathologists Auditory-Verbal Therapists are available as a training and support resource for therapists targeting the auditory and oral language development for students with hearing loss.
- For students with hearing loss services include auditory comprehension and language assessments, aural habilitation and auditory training, individual and small group speech-language therapy using an Auditory-Verbal Approach, and classroom support related to language and literacy.
- For early intervention programs Auditory Verbal Therapists are able to provide specialized instruction and speech services in a natural environment for families of children with hearing loss as directed by the Individualized Family Service Plan.
Educational Audiology Services:
- For the general school population services include management of annual hearing screenings with appropriate referrals as well as on site evaluations of hearing and middle ear function.
- For students with learning difficulties services include evaluations for Auditory Processing Disorders, both screening and differential assessment batteries. Consultation with program staff to support development and implementation of appropriate accommodations and objectives based on diagnostic findings would be provided. Support for assistive technology, such as the use of classroom soundfield systems is available.
- For students with documented hearing loss services include fitting and management of FM systems and earmold services. Consultation and training of staff to support inclusion of students with hearing loss is available in areas ranging from use of hearing technology, to speech and language training, to academic support.
- For early intervention programs an Educational Audiologist is able to provide monitoring and support for hearing aids and cochlear implants, as well as parent education related to audiology, in a natural environment for families of children with hearing loss as directed by the Individualized Family Service Plan.
Educational Services:
- For School Staff services include educational support for school programs seeking to improve services for children with hearing loss though on-site consults, staff training, student assessment, and support in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans. Professional development programming is also available on a broad array of topics related to language development and academic skill development for students with hearing loss. Mentoring of in-service professionals working toward developing a strong skill set in the areas of auditory and oral language skill development is also available.
- For Students services include itinerant instruction and academic support focusing on the development of oral language, reading and writing skills, and accessing academic content. Programming can be provided one on one or in a small group setting, in collaboration with the teaching team and in accordance with the student's individual education plan.
Enrichment Programming:
- For students with hearing loss program offerings include theater workshops, music classes, and book clubs, all focusing on integrating effective oral communication and literacy skills into creative and social contexts. Programs can be provided on-site as directed by the school administration.
Family Support Programming:
- Parents and their infants with hearing loss can participate together in facilitated playgroup directed by an Auditory-Verbal therapist Sessions integrate listening and language with rich sensory-motor and play experiences, and parents receive "coaching" as they learn to target communication skills within the context of daily family life. Monthly offenngs of a music-based play group are also available integrating experiences in listening and language with music and movement.
- Parents and caregivers can participate in workshops, support groups, or targeted coaching session on topics related to auditory skills, managing hearing aids and cochlear implants, speech and language development, integrating language activities into routines and play, and supporting literacy and academic skills for children with hearing loss.