Main description:

Regardless of a child's hearing abilities, increasing parents' knowledge about their baby or toddler's expected development and their confidence in their parenting abilities supports positive early interactions and developmental progress. Fortunately, as early hearing screening has become widespread, more information is available about development of deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and ways to best support their developing learning and language abilities.

This book combines a review of up-to-date research with theory and first-hand observations to provide a framework for parents and professionals as they promote developmental achievements of infants and toddlers with limited hearing. In what ways is development of deaf and hard-of-hearing babies and toddlers like that of those with typical hearing? What specific challenges are likely to be faced by child and parent - and when are they most likely to occur? What modifications in parenting and
caregiver interactive behaviors can help avoid or overcome these challenges?

A strong, supportive foundation for optimal learning throughout life grows from early, positive, and responsive interactive experiences. This book provides information and guidelines for professionals and parents helping deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and toddlers build that foundation.

Contents:

Dedication
Preface

Chapter 1: Great Expectations: An Introduction
Chapter 2: What Can My Baby Hear?
Chapter 3: Welcome to the World: The Prenatal Period to 3 Months
Chapter 4: Early Parenting Goals: Nurturing and Supporting Development in the First 3 Months
Chapter 5: Why Is Early Learning So Important: 3 to 6 Months
Chapter 6: Learning, Feeling, and Communicating: 3 to 6 Months
Chapter 7: On the Move: 6 to 12 Months
Chapter 8: Little Communicators: 6 to 12 Months
Chapter 9: The Symbol Users: Representing, Remembering, Recreating: 12 to18 Months
Chapter 10: Almost Two and Look What's New! 18 to 24 Months
Chapter 11: Little Psychologists and Budding Linguists: From Two to Three Years Old
Chapter 12: Where We Are...and Where We are Going

References
Resources and Websites for Parents and Professionals