A female audiologist is kneeling on the floor while she looks into the ear of a preschool student using an otoscope. She has brown hair and is wearing a blue sweater with white polka dots. The student has on a yellow T-shirt and has 2 rows of braids in the back of his head.

Support Services

Audiologist:

  • On site NYS licensed audiologist, ASHA certified
  • Licensed hearing aid dispenser
  • Full audiology testing suite
  • Provide in-school hearing aids
  • Bluetooth microphone technology utilized – connected directly student’s hearing aids or to classroom soundfield
  • Daily technical support with all hearing devices
  • Instructional support on the independent use of audiological equipment
  • Partner closely with students’ families and speech and hearing clinics
A female school nurse is sitting on a chair facing beside a male elementary student in the nurse’s office. The student is watching the nurse put on disposable gloves.

Health Services

SFDS has a full-time community oriented registered nurse on site. Our school nurse serves as a professional presence to support students with typical and complex medical histories when they are hurt and vulnerable.

The nurse works with staff and parents in a professional manner to provide a nurturing approach to ensure the physical and emotional welfare of all our students:

  • Coordinates with food services, speech language pathologists, teachers, medical teams, and families regarding students with special diet and pre/post-operative care.
  • Works with hospitals and medical teams to carry out detailed care plans for students with potentially serious medical conditions e.g. epilepsy, hydrocephalus, severe allergies, heart conditions, etc.
  • Participates as a member of the school’s multi-disciplinary team, interpreting medical data and assisting in students’ health and management needs as indicated including:
    • G-Tube Feeding
    • Colostomy care /management
    • Nebulizers
    • Epi-Pen Coverage
    • Dispensing medication
    • Supervision Due to Seizure disorders
In the Family Education Room, a small group of moms are practicing fingerspelling. Some parents look down at papers while others appear to be looking at a teacher.

Pupil Personnel Services:

 

  • Helps families navigate through the CPSE/CSE intake process with the NYC Dept of Education
  • Organizes the Evaluation Team in preparation for incoming students current enrollees
  • Attend required DOE meetings and provide interpreters if needed
  • Facilitates communication among Early Intervention Transition Coordinators, Preschools and/or CPSE/CSE and NYS Department of Education
In the Family Education room, a male Deaf instructor is standing in front of a group teaching American Sign Language. The family members are copying his signs. A child is seated in the back of the room.

Family Education:

  • ASL classes
  • Peer to Peer Support Group moderated by our School Social Worker
  • Counseling and Guidance on resources and services in the community

Social Worker:

  • On Site Social Worker
  • Supports families in obtaining services and resources
  • Coordinates with outside agencies to support families in various needs
  • Manages the Family Education Program
  • Manages a Family Pantry