School for the Blind

Early Childhood Program

A Brief Overview

The Early Childhood Program is offered by the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind under the auspice of the Colorado Department of Education.

The CSDB Early Childhood Program serves infants and toddlers who are blind or visually impaired, newborn to three years of age, in their own homes. At the heart of the Early Childhood Program is the facilitator/teacher, Louise Gettman.  Working with the families, Ms. Gettman designs an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that fits both the family's needs and the child's learning style.

Ms. Gettman helps family members develop techniques to encourage development of their child's speech, language, and listening skills. The program starts at the time of diagnosis. A referral can be accepted from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, a medical doctor, a local Part C team, and/or the family. Early intervention services continue until a smooth transition to preschool services is accomplished.

Currently, the Early Childhood Program is serving twenty infants and toddlers who are blind or visually impaired. 

For more information regarding our Early Childhood Program, please contact Louise Gettman, Teacher of the Visually Impaired at 719-578-2189 or via email at lgettman@csdb.org.  or Jennie Germano, Director of Early Education Programs at 719-578-2116 or jgermano@csdb.org.