The Transition to School Among Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Children: Teacher and Parent Perspectives

Abstract

Although entry into the school system is a major milestone in the lives of young d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) children and their families, relatively little is known about parents' and teachers' experiences and perspectives of this important transition. The aims of this study were to describe parents' concerns during their children's transition from early intervention to school, to describe practices available for families of DHH children, and to explore parents' and teachers' perspectives regarding practices that support a smooth transition to school. Parents (N = 40) and teachers (N = 37) of the deaf and hard of hearing completed surveys examining their experiences and perspectives on DHH children's transition to school. Among concerns expressed among parents was their child's ability to participate successfully in an inclusive school setting, as well as the level of supports their child would receive. Teachers reported numerous policies and practices that supported the transition to school, emphasizing high-intensity practices often used to gather information about the child and set accommodations in place. Parent and teacher reports on facilitators for the transition are compared and contrasted. Recommendations for research and practice are provided.