The CHIP Model
Community Based	The Early Literacy Initiative (ELI)
Family Centered Assessment	Eligibility
Communication Approaches	Service Coordination
Transition Program	Program Support
In-Home Sign Language Instruction	Deaf Adult Role Models
Bilingual Providers	Unilateral Hearing Loss
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)	Auditory Neuropathy
FAMILY Centered Philosophy

In-Home Sign Language Instruction:

By the time children graduate from the program, approximately 50 percent of the families have chosen to use a visual communication system/language with their child. We know that families provide the primary communication with their infant or toddler. Therefore, families must have appropriate sign language skills to model and to interact. Research supports that preschool children typically have sign language skills superior to their parents. In order to help parents learn sign language quickly and correctly, we offer a home-based sign language program. Deaf/hard-of-hearing adults fluent in sign language make weekly visits to the family's home to provide sign language instruction. The instruction is family-centered and focuses on the unique needs of each family. Instruction is offered to the parents, the extended family, caregivers, and neighbors. The sign language instructor and the CHIP facilitator maintain communication to assure that program goals are maintained. 

A statewide assessment has been implemented in order to evaluate and educate current interpreters regarding the core competencies. A videotaped assessment is performed in which interpreters are required to interpret a spoken clip of a classroom environment as well as voice interpret for a deaf child. Interpreters can choose the type of sign language or system they prefer to use, i.e. ASL, SEE, PSE. A panel of deaf adults and proficient signers then analyzes these videotapes. If an interpreter does not pass the evaluation, he/she has three years to acquire the necessary skills to pass. In addition to the assessment process, interpreters are required to attend three workshops to gain information regarding the core competencies.

The early intervention program is reviewing these core competencies and considering using similar criteria as standards for sign language instructors for CHIP.

The Early Literacy Initiative is an integral part of the In-Home Sign Language Program. For more information on the ELI see our Early Literacy Initiative page.