Here at Briarlake, we serve students in our Pre-School (3-5 year old) class with one teacher and one paraprofessional and in Kindergarten - Fifth grade classes with 3 certified Deaf/Hard of Hearing teachers. Additionally, four certified Sign Language Interpreters are assigned to meet the needs of the students in the program. Our students participate in clubs and organizations such as, Signing Choir, Signing Club, and serve as Safety Patrols.
Briarlake Offers a Total Communication Program.
The Total Communication program is designed for students with a documented hearing loss who meet state eligibility requirements for Deaf or Hard of Hearing services. The primary focus is on language acquisition through research based techniques and practices. In this language rich environment, students participate in activities specifically formulated to help them develop auditory skills and language skills. Speech skills are encouraged to the extent that the individual student is able.
The program is best suited for the student who requires a manual form of communication. Teachers in these classrooms provide direct instruction through the use of the total communication approach which utilizes English, American Sign Language, visual aids, auditory training, reading, writing, and assistive technology.