The Willie Ross School is a contemporary organization which is committed to preparing students to enter an increasingly complex world. A combination of curriculum, its faculty and staff and an innovative model bring together an optimal environment which maximizes the resources of all of its students. The Department is tailored to meet the needs of young deaf and hard of hearing children, ages two years nine months to eight years. The developmentally appropriate curriculum is integrated through all areas to provide for a child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. The classrooms are specifically designed to present a developmental approach using teacher facilitated learning activities and learning centers.
Activities are of interest and are relevant to young children.
Parent and family services such as sign language classes, home visits and general information on deafness are offered. These are students for whom deafness may be a primary or secondary presenting problem to other issues. The focus of the program is on developing the students' use of language skills, appropriate social behavior, activities of daily living, independent work habits, and overall academic potential. The classroom environment addresses each student's individual needs while at the same time functioning in an interactive mode. Field trips, community visits and structured opportunities for interaction outside the classroom are central features of this department.