Center-based programs are available for deaf and hard of hearing students at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels.  The preschool and elementary programs are located in Burnsville at Gideon Pond Elementary, and the middle school program in Lakeville at Century Middle School.  In general, students who attend the center-based resource program receive a significant portion of their instruction by a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in a self-contained classroom setting where direct communication is provided by staff skilled and knowledgeable in the unique communication systems and needs of deaf and hard of hearing learners. 

Model of Service Delivery:

The languages of instruction used with learners in the program vary dependent on individual student needs and the determination made with parents through the IFSP/IEP process.    Learners are afforded access to English through auditory/oral programming or through spoken/cued English by fluent staff.  Learners are afforded access to American Sign Language provided by fluent staff through the IFSP/IEP process.  Students participate in general education classes as appropriate. 

Services Provided:

Related and support services in the areas of speech and language, audiology, sign language interpreting and cued language transliterating services are provided as needed.  Excellent amplification systems, daily listening checks and close monitoring of equipment are integral program components.

Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing provide specialized curriculum and direct instructional support in areas directly impacted by a hearing loss:  auditory, communication, language, vocabulary, and reading readiness skill development, and compensatory skill development in the learning environment.  Learners are supported in the general education setting through close communication and collaboration with general education staff.

Evening classes for parents and siblings of learners served in the program in American Sign Language and cued English are provided both fall and spring semesters to support learners’ communication and language development in all environments.