Preparing for the Mainstream

Many CID students spend their last year or two at CID attending half-days at a local preschool or elementary school. For St. Louis area children, this preparatory educational placement occurs in the school they will attend. CID staff and the CID school counselor work with the child, parents and the receiving school to optimize the child's adjustment and to maximize the child's success. This process leads to a positive educational experience after graduation.

Educational staff at CID help students prepare to integrate with hearing children in mainstream educational placements. Ready, Set, Go! is a program in which parents and staff meet monthly to discuss issues related to mainstream placement. Panel discussions with older deaf children and parents with children in mainstream schools are part of this program.

CID teachers and audiologists also communicate regularly with the students’ receiving schools. Often, they visit schools and provide education and training for teachers and classmates. They may help the family select a school. A cooperative effort results in development of the student's IEP (Individual Educational Plan) and the proactive preparation for the child's enrollment

In addition to making presentations to schools, community organizations and to other teachers of the deaf, speech therapists and audiologists at professional meetings, CID staff offer expert consultation and training for schools developing auditory-oral education programs. They also offer continuing education workshops and professional presentations in deaf education topics for teachers and other professionals working in the field of speech and hearing.
 

Many of our CID school graduates pursue higher education and professional careers.

Learn more about CID alumni.