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    Schools and programs serving deaf and hard of hearing children

    Know your options

    In Minnesota, most parents work with their school district to decide the best education option for their child using an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Finding the right fit for your child depends on things like your child's communication needs, the school's curriculum, chances for social interaction and the location. 

    It is important to learn about the different options, so that you can make sure your child's IEP addresses their education needs. With so much information available, it can feel overwhelming. This page can help you focus on what you need to know.

    Remember that you can always make changes if something isn't meeting your child's needs. 

    Early intervention for infants and toddlers

    Early intervention for infants and toddlers ages birth to 3 is FREE in Minnesota and Tribal Nations. Early intervention services help support families with their baby’s communicating, moving, interacting and thinking. Services are accessed through your local school district or cooperative. 

    You can connect to these supports and services through Help Me Grow Minnesota, which also provides many resources and videos. Parents, professionals and other friends and family members can connect through the Refer a Child page. People from the school program who work with young children and families will reach out to you to talk about next steps. 

    To learn more about early intervention and why it is important for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, you can watch a video on the Supporting Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children Early YouTube playlist. Video is available in English/ASL, Hmong, Somali or Spanish. 

    Residential schools

    Residential schools offer education for children who are deaf and hard of hearing with teachers fluent in American Sign Language and English. Because all students are deaf or hard of hearing, they can easily socialize with peers. The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, located in Faribault is a residential school.   

    Day schools

    Day schools also provide education to children who are deaf and hard of hearing with teachers fluent in American Sign Language and English. Like residential schools, all students are deaf or hard of hearing, so they also have equal access to socialize with peers. Metro Deaf School is a day school.

    Mainstream

     "Mainstream" means that a child with hearing loss goes to their local public school. The programs offered can vary by school district, but they must follow federal laws (IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act). A mainstreamed student may use interpreters or assistive technology, spend part of the day in a special education classroom, and/or have a classroom with peers who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

    Become an advocate for your child's education

    If you want to be a strong advocate for your child's education, check out the Parent Advocacy app! This app helps you to understand your child’s rights and work with the school to meet your child's needs. It may help you prepare for IEP, 504 or other meetings. It was created by the NAD, Gallaudet University Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, American Society for Deaf Children and Hands and Voices. It is available from Google Play Store (for Android devices) and the App Store (for Apple devices). 

    Statewide education resources

    National education resources

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