Family learning is essential to a child's early growth, and this list gathers the research behind it for Deaf and hard of hearing infants and toddlers. The studies show how early access to ASL supports vocabulary growth, why children need full language and not speech alone, how Deaf mentors benefit families, and what family-centered early intervention looks like in practice. Use it to ground family learning decisions and professional learning in evidence.
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This family checklist provides practical actions families can use to support language development through meaningful interaction, early access, and everyday use of sign language and print.
Your child will love these captivating stories presented in both American Sign Language and English!
A tip sheet families can use to put family learning into practice: ASL, book sharing, play, and everyday routines that support their Deaf or hard of hearing child's language and connection.