Teach deaf children how to use sign language as early as possible. Simple signs can be taught as soon as a deaf baby is able to communicate non-verbally with others. Most experts stress that deaf children should have a fundamental understanding of sign language before they reach kindergarten or even preschool.
Refine a deaf child's use of sign language until they are completely proficient. Expanding their knowledge base will be highly dependent upon their fluency of sign language, since all other academic subjects will be communicated in this fashion.
Educate deaf children in the least-restrictive environment possible. A few years ago, more than 80 percent of all deaf children were taught in special schools. Since then, government programs have been implemented to integrate deaf children into the public school system, affording them contact with hearing children as much as possible.
Enroll deaf children into a mainstream or full inclusion curriculum that allows them to interact with hearing children during non-academic activities, such as physical education and lunch periods. Some schools may provide aides and interpreters so that deaf children can participate in academic courses, which prepare them for the transition into adulthood.
Inform the parents of deaf children about all of the options available to educate their children. Stress that a mainstream or full inclusion program may be more of a learning challenge initially, but integration into a hearing population will prepare the students for life. In addition, certain opportunities, such as scholarships and financial grants, may be available.
Include exposure to newer technologies when you educate a deaf child. Teach the childre to use computers and to navigate the Internet for research. By keeping deaf children informed about technological advances, you can broaden their opportunity base.