Overview
Savannah Speech and Hearing Center in a coordinated effort with Calvary in Savannah is offering a new option to this community. That option is the ability for hearing impaired children to learn to listen, speak and understand spoken language using their chosen method of communication: Auditory/Oral or total communication. SOUND START has been developed to take advantage of the latest technology available to the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Children now have access to speech as never before with digital hearing aids and cochlear implants. In order to utilize this technology to its greatest potential early intervention is critical to ensure success.

History of Sound Start
In January 2007 the Board of Directors of Savannah Speech and Hearing Center approved a new program, an auditory/oral school for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. With overwhelming staff and community support as well as a coordinated effort with Calvary in Savannah SOUND START opened its doors to the hearing impaired children of Savannah and the surrounding communities in Georgia and South Carolina on September 5, 2007. SOUND START was full with 6 children ranging in ages from 2-6. Being able to provide a service never before available in this area was an overwhelming success.

On March 5, 2008 SOUND START received full accreditation from the Georgia Accreditation Commission. The Georgia Accreditation Commission has been servicing schools in this state since 1924.

On May 8, 2008 SOUND START became a participant in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program. This program provides scholarship money for any child who meets the eligibility requirements to attend any participating school. Children must complete their kindergarten school year with an IEP, individualized educational plan, before being eligible for this scholarship. See www.doe.k12.ga.us for more information on eligibility requirements and participating schools.

In the fall of 2007, the SOUND START staff was approached by parents of hearing impaired children in this community who use a Total Communication method to learning to begin a Total Communication class. These parents were frustrated by their children's lack of progress in the public school system. On May 19, 2008 the board of Savannah Speech and Hearing Center approved adding a second classroom which utilized a Total Communication approach to learning to speak and understand spoken language.

On August 18, 2008 SOUND START will begin its second school year with two classrooms. One classroom for an Auditory/Oral approach and one classroom for a Total Communication approach to learning.

Where we're going…

We are in the process of receiving licensure from Bright from the Start, the Ga Department of Human Resources. This licensure will enable SOUND START to provide services at the school for children from 18 months instead of waiting to 2 years old. It will also allow us to keep the 3 and 4 year olds for a full day program.

By 2009-2010 We will need 2 classrooms for the Auditory/Oral learners; a young class for 18 months-3 years and an older class for 3 and up. We may need 2 classes for the Total Communication learners.


Our Purpose
To provide an option for families and their hearing impaired child(ren) to develop the ability to learn to listen, speak and understand spoken language in order to be successful in a mainstreamed educational setting.

Admission / Enrollment

The Savannah Speech and Hearing Center does not discriminate in admissions or scholarship programs against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religion.
 

Eligibility
Any child with a hearing loss affecting speech and language development is eligible for the school.

It is necessary that they have average to above-average intelligence and no other significant disability that would prevent success for speech acquisition.

The family must be supportive of the chosen method for education and learning speech and language.

Evaluation
Any child who is applying for the program must participate in an initial evaluation to assess cognitive, speech, language and auditory development skills.

Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available based on a sliding-scale fee. Applications for financial aid can be requested following acceptance to SOUND START.

GA Scholarship
SOUND START is a participant in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program. Refer to www.doe.k12.ga.us for eligibility

Application
Contact Laurie Gay Hill at (912) 355-4601 or hill@gapcdr.com to find out more and receive an application to our program. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

FAQs

What is the difference between Auditory / Oral and Total Communication? Auditory/Oral is a communication method in which the child learns to listen, speak and understand spoken language. Sign language is not utilized as a part of this program.

Total Communication is a communication method in which the child learns to listen, speak and understand spoken language while also using sign language.


Auditory / Oral Classroom

The Auditory/Oral classroom consists of children whose families have chosen a method of communication that does not use sign language.

The classroom size is no more than 8 children to a class. The student to teacher ratio is no more than 4:1.

Listening and speaking are the primary focus, while encouraging development of pre- academic, pre-literacy and social skills. Independent communication is developed through structured activities with an emphasis on learning to listen, speak and understand spoken language.

Full and half-day options are available.

Children may begin SOUND START's Auditory/Oral class on their 2nd birthday.

Total Communication Classroom
The Total Communication classroom consists of children whose families have chosen a method of communication that uses sign language and the ability to listen, speak and understand spoken language.

The classroom size is no more than 8 children to a class. The student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1.

Listening and speaking are the primary focus, while encouraging development of academic, literacy and social skills. Independent communication is developed through structured activities with an emphasis on sign language and learning to listen, speak and understand spoken language.

SOUND START's Total Communication classroom is full day for elementary school-aged children.

What Makes this School Different?
We operate on a year-round school calendar.

Speech and language therapy using an Auditory/Verbal approach is provided in group and individual settings.

Audiological support is available daily.

Equipment and mapping needs are monitored daily.

Occupational and Physical therapy are available on-site through private therapists.

Sign language classes are required for those families choosing a Total Communication method.

We have an open door policy. Parents are encouraged to observe the class and therapy.

All staff members are trained to facilitate independent communication using an Auditory/Oral and Auditory/Verbal approach or Total Communication approach to learning.

All staff members have a complete understanding of the hearing impaired child and how to ensure developmental success.

All activities will center on listening, speaking, and building the child's independent communication skills.