Children’s House At WPSD

We are proud to offer this unique preschool program for deaf/hard of hearing children, ages 3 and 4 years old. Montessori education offers our children opportunities to develop their potential as they step out into the world as engaged, competent, responsible, and respectful citizens with an understanding and appreciation that learning is for life.

The Children’s House At WPSD is committed to the development of the whole child in a caring and nurturing environment.  Based on Montessori principles, our exceptional educational program is built upon a foundation of best practices in early childhood education utilizing an auditory/oral approach, providing deaf/hard of hearing students with the skills to reach their full potential.

Classroom activities foster the development of strong foundational academic skills with an emphasis on listening and spoken language.   Our curriculum promotes individualization, development of independence, social interaction, expression of thoughts, feelings and needs, motor development and thinking and reasoning.

We believe that development occurs in an enriching environment where the child is encouraged and challenged. They are neither hurried nor hindered. They take ownership of their learning and, with guidance, direct themselves to the materials and activities that will satisfy their inner needs for learning. We strive to foster in our students an enthusiasm for learning and a sense of wonder.

Our experienced classroom staff works with children in small groups and individually to introduce materials, promote language development and support and guide learning. Teachers are constantly alert to the needs of each child and actively work with them to achieve their individual goals.

Our Staff include:

• A teacher of the deaf who is specially trained in early childhood education, Montessori principles and the auditory/oral approach.
• A Speech Language Pathologist who provides individual and small group therapy focused on listening and spoken language development
• Two audiologists who provide auditory testing and cochlear implant/hearing aid support
• Additional Support Staff: Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and Vision Specialist.

Exploring the Five Areas of Montessori Curriculum

• Practical Life: Here the children develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence. These include the care of self, care of the environment and grace and courtesy.
• Sensorial Area: The sensorial materials were designed to help the child to focus attention on the physical world exploring each of the senses with small changes to the characteristics of objects. Each piece of material is self-correcting and allows the child to make observant assessments of their work.
• Language: Children three to six years of age are in a ‘sensitive period’ for absorbing language. The Montessori environment is rich in oral language, listening to stories, reciting poems, singing and talking to others. Pre-reading activities along with the use of concrete materials assist in the development of writing and lead to reading.
•  Math: The importance of one’s sense of order is emphasized in the development of the mathematical mind. Manipulative materials are used to allow children to discover abstract mathematical ideas through concrete models.
• Cultural and Science: In this area, children learn about science concepts in sensorial ways to provide real-life experiences. They also develop a global perspective of people and their cultures

Apply now for admission by contacting:

Beth Anderson
Interim, Children’s Center Coordinator
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
412.244.4235
banderson@wpsd.org