By Lyndsey Groth, Senior Editor, The Carle Foundation
With academic, social and emotional factors to think about, choosing a school for your children is a big decision. After a thorough search, local moms Meredith and Janice chose Carle Auditory Oral School in Urbana.
CAOS is an Illinois State Board of Education-approved private learning program designed for children with hearing loss, like Janice’s two children Johnathan and Jennifer. But with small classes and an intensive focus on language and communication, it offers many benefits for normal hearing students like Meredith’s son Tai.
Here’s what they had to say:
Janice, mother of Johnathan, 5, and Jennifer, 4 (students with hearing loss)
What made you choose CAOS over other options?
Johnathan and Jennifer were both diagnosed with hearing loss as infants. Having hearing loss myself, I know how challenging this can be in public school and wanted to give my children a head start. I visited a variety of preschools and daycares but ultimately chose CAOS. Class sizes are significantly smaller with a strong focus on language and reading, and my children receive speech therapy more frequently than public schools can offer. CAOS conveniently offers audio services in the same building, curbside drop-off and pick-up, and before and after care.
The staff genuinely cares about my child and our family. They continually inform me of my children’s progress both educationally and socially. Through monthly meetings, weekly emails and day-to-day interactions, I am well-informed and prepared to continue my children’s learning throughout the evenings and weekends.
What kind of growth have you seen, both academically and socially/emotionally?
Johnathan struggled with speech for years, but through the supportive therapist and teachers, he now tests at age-appropriate levels and exceeds expectations in some areas! He recently read his first book! My daughter, age 4, read her first book last week and wants to read every night. And by being a part of a close-knit group of students, Johnathan and Jennifer now have confidence in creating friendships, skills for a successful education and independence to be themselves.
What do you feel is the benefit of your child learning alongside peers with hearing loss?
Johnathan and Jennifer have benefited greatly by being with children that share similar hearing abilities, as well as children with normal hearing. They know they are not alone in their hearing loss, and they experience acceptance by their normal hearing peers. Everyone has learned patience when asked to repeat their responses, and all of us, parents included, are more aware each other’s needs.
Meredith, mother of Tai, 5 (student with normal hearing)
What made you choose CAOS over other options?
I wanted assurance that my son’s emotional needs would be addressed. Because he started school so young (age three), I knew the small class sizes would be the best way to ensure his emotional well-being and development. Classes have four to six students with a teacher and in some cases an aide or student teacher from the University of Illinois.
I also wanted a place where learning would be natural and responsive. I want Tai to understand that learning is a life experience, not a series of worksheets and memorizing. CAOS has absolutely made learning fun, using creative methods that encourage exploration. I also appreciate that expectations are based on a child’s individual abilities.
What kind of growth have you seen, both academically and socially/emotionally?
My son has had an amazing beginning. CAOS has provided a space where learning is living, a natural part of being. Understanding a person’s emotions has been directly and explicitly taught. And he is progressing academically, learning the fundamentals of reading, writing, math and science. All this is a true testament to a staff that is dedicated, conscientious and qualified.
What do you feel is the benefit of your child learning alongside peers with hearing loss?
I was looking for a setting that offered the opportunity to understand diversity. I want my child to understand people are different, each with unique strengths and challenges. Because my son shares a learning space with children with hearing loss, he has been taught one of the most important lessons: compassion and understanding.
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Join CAOS for an open house Monday, February 20, 3:30 – 6 p.m., 805 W. Park Street, Urbana. Meet our teachers, tour our new building, and learn about sibling discounts and before-and-after school child care. For more information, call (217) 326-2824 or visit carleschool.org.
Editor’s Note: This post was written and sponsored by Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle Auditory Oral School.