Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program

 

Greeley-Evans School District 6 guarantees access to quality education in a regional setting for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, from preschool through twelfth grade. The District 6 Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing serves a diverse student population including deaf, hard of hearing and students with multiple challenges. On all levels, students are involved with age appropriate peers, hearing, deaf and hard of hearing students.

The District 6 Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is staffed by highly qualified teachers, specialists and educational assistants prepared to meet the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Using an integrated approach, developed in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), the education team seeks to maximize opportunities for developing student’s academic, intellectual, social and emotional growth while focusing on their unique strengths and abilities.

Language development and communication skills are the foundational blocks for this program on every level. The District 6 Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing does not endorse one communication method over another. We choose communication methodologies that best match a student’s needs. This includes spoken English, sign supported English and American Sign Language. We are equipped to meet the needs of students with cochlear implants (CIs) as well as students who use hearing aids and FM systems. We encourage the use of residual hearing and students receive related services designed to help them maximize the use of their CIs and hearing aids. We are also equipped to meet the needs of Deaf students without CIs or hearing aid devices.

Educational services may be accessed in the general education classroom setting or in a resource setting. Students are placed in classes based on the recommendations in their IEP. The education team meets on an ongoing basis to monitor a student's placement and progress to ensure success.

 

Our staff serve as Deaf and Hard of Hearing role models. We have on staff Teachers of the Deaf, Interpreters, Tutors and Educational Assistants, Speech and Language Specialists, a School Psychologist, an Audiologist and a School Counselor who are trained to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

 

Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Program: Provides a rich linguistic environment with many opportunities for experiential language development. For children between the ages of three and six, hands and voices are used to assure that all students have full access to the wide array of information they need to develop to their potential - cognitively, socially, emotionally, and linguistically (develop listening, speech and sign language skills). A team approach with parental involvement is viewed as a priority so we offer support to aid parents with communication, behavior and socialization issues.

 

Language development is an integral part of all program curricula. It is uniquely combined with the Colorado State Standards for Math, Reading, Social Studies, Science, English/Language Arts, etc. In fact, all related subject areas including Art, Music, Dance, Orchestra, Band and Physical Education are also designed to enhance a language based program. Our students participate in the rigorous State of Colorado Education PARCC assessments.

High School: GREELEY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL continues the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program for grades 9-12. The high school level offers the additional option of vocational classes and programs. The educational team work to develop a plan for each student to help them become a successful citizen in school and in the community