Family Based Services

“Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play children learn how to learn.”

~O. Fred Donaldson

kids playing in leafsFamilies come to MSDB and the Outreach Program in a variety of ways. Some families are referred through the Infant Newborn Hearing Screening program. Other families come to MSDB through a referral from a Part C Early Intervention Provider.

Once connected to a family, Consultants offer support to parents and families by providing information, referrals, counseling, and instruction to help parents and families adjust to their child’s unique learning and social emotional needs. Consultants work in partnership to Family Support Specialists from the regional Part C program.

Deaf Mentor

The Deaf Mentor Program partners families with a Deaf adult who is specially trained as a Deaf Mentor. A Deaf Mentor provides family-centered, home-based, and curriculum-led early education in the home. Deaf Mentors focus on visual communication, American Sign Language (ASL), and bridging and navigating Deaf and hearing experiences with the families of children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind age birth to six (and beyond.)

For more information about the Deaf Mentor program in general: deaf-mentor.skihi.org

If your family would like to work with a Deaf Mentor, ask your Outreach Consultant or contact:

  • Outreach Director at 406-403-1322 (voice) or 406-205-1572 (videophone).

Family Advisor

The Family Advisor Program supports families in learning to address the unique learning needs of their child/children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. Consultants work with families to determine family goals and Family Advisors work with the families to accomplish those goals. Families choose to work on language development (English and/or ASL), communication, spatial and concept development, and mobility skills.

Family Advisors follow the VIISA and INSITE curriculum for families with children who are blind or visually impaired. Family Advisors follow the SKI*HI curriculum for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For more information about Outreach services, contact:

  • Outreach Director at 406-403-1322 (voice) or 406-205-1572 (videophone).

If your family would like to work with a Family Advisor, ask your Outreach Consultant or contact:

  • Outreach Director at 406-403-1322 (voice) or 406-205-1572 (videophone).