Parents, teachers and audiologist work to properly evaluate and fit infants and toddlers with hearing aids as early as possible. The primary goal of the Infant Program is to assist parents working with their children. Parents bring their infant to Mill Neck Manor twice each week to work with a team of specialists who aid them in understanding the normal patterns of child development, as well as the special needs of a Deaf or hard of hearing child. Weekly home visits help families promote maximum use of communication skills in everyday situations. All members of the family, including siblings, can become active participants during the home visits.
Parents regularly meet to share experiences and feelings, and to find solutions to common problems.
Such meetings occur both formally and informally. The Toddler Program continues assistance to both parents and children. The children come to the program three times each week for play activities, that encourage physical, intellectual and communication development. Parents continue to be involved in activities, as well as in discussions and workshops. Home visits continue to assist families in applying techniques and principles learned in school sessions.