General FAQs                                        

Do you know where can I take sign language classes?  CID does not teach sign language to children or adults. We teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing how to listen and talk. You can find sign language classes at St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley. 

I want to become an interpreter, does CID teach courses?
No. St. Louis Community College offers a certification program.

Why is it important for a deaf child to learn to talk? Today’s hearing technologies, early intervention and targeted, individualized teaching methods make it possible for most deaf and hard of hearing children to learn to listen, talk, read and participate socially and academically in regular classrooms. Learning the English language is important to learning to read and forms the basis for academic success. (For information on how it is possible to teach a deaf child to talk without using sign language, please see FAQs for Parents).

If you teach deaf a child to speak, won't he or she miss out on Deaf culture? Our role is to ensure that children have the skills they need to make choices in their lives. Many CID students who learn to listen and talk when they are young later also choose to learn American Sign Language so they can interact with peers who identify within a Deaf culture. We take pride in our graduates' ability to read and achieve, and to successfully integrate into the hearing world if they choose -- or to learn ASL and have peers in both communities.

How do you teach deaf and hard of hearing children to read if you can't use phonics? We do use phonics. Our pediatric audiologists ensure the students have optimal access to auditory information from their hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. We teach our children to read using all of the same methods, strategies and curricula used to teach hearing children to read.

What education do you need to become a teacher of the deaf? Most CID teachers have master’s degrees in deaf education. A few have undergraduate degrees in deaf education with master's degrees in related areas. All CID classroom teachers also maintain certification from the Council on Education of the Deaf, a national organization.

CID is financially separate from but closely affiliated with the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences (PACS) at Washington University School of Medicine, which we highly recommend. Our teachers and audiologists serve as faculty members and we provide practicum experiences for students in this graduate program that trains audiologists, scientists and teachers of the deaf. Also located in the St. Louis area, Fontbonne University offers fine undergraduate and graduate programs in deaf education, early intervention and related fields.

Are you aware of any recently published literature on any communication option +/- cochlear implantation? Research changes rapidly. An internet search and sites such as www.agbell.org and www.asha.org will provide links to current materials.

How can I learn more about hearing loss in children? For an excellent list of FAQs on hearing loss and children, visit OptionSchools International.

CID's mission is to teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing to listen, talk, read and succeed.

We partner with families and collaborate with universities, educators and other professionals worldwide to help children communicate and achieve to their fullest potential.

CID teachers weave speech, listening and language instruction throughout the academic curriculum to prepare students for work in mainstream educational settings. Literacy, natural language and social skills are also developed as part of a program emphasizing the whole child.

Our highly individualized, comprehensive program meets children's needs and gives them a solid foundation for success. Most CID graduates go to college and many pursue professional careers.

LEARN ABOUT
THE CID QUIET SCHOOL