What is an Early Childhood classroom like?

The LICA Early Childhood Program is for children ages 3 and 4 who are deaf or hard of hearing. To meet their unique needs, LICA has two early childhood classrooms housed at Forest Elementary School in Des Plaines. In the oral classroom, the children are led by an experienced, orally-trainedteacher of the deaf and an assistant who is also an orally-trainedteacher of the deaf. In the total communication classroom, the class is led by an experienced teacher of the deaf and assistants who use spoken English and sign language. Classes are small, usually between four and seven students.

Two days a week, the LICA students are joined by hearing students who serve as language models and communication partners. LICA students also participate in field trips and other school events with general education students.

Click here to read a full overview of the Early Childhood Program at LICA.