I’m trying to increase quality by adding sign language to my infants and toddlers room. While I know it will benefit the children, I want to make sure that if I make this big $$ investment it will pay off in my quality rating as well. As usual, I can’t get anyone of the mentors to call me back. Please help!
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There is not an indicator in the ITERS that will increase your score if you add sign language to the curriculum. However, you could get more “points” in diversity in language by having a “language” that is above and beyond the spoken ones in your classroom.
And, above all else- sign language is a WONDERFUL component to have for your infants and toddlers!! You are building the bridge of communication SO much faster with signing!
I’m not sure what kind of monetary investment you will have to put out to add this, other than perhaps a book on signs, such as the Signed English Dictionary. Other than that, it incorporates very easily into your curriculum without much else needed. You may want to take a college class in sign language, but for your babies and toddlers, you really only need to know a few crucial signs (ie: eat, drink, cracker, cookie, potty/toilet, more, want). Babies will start understanding signs from about 8 months old, and many can begin signing back to you at about 10-12 months old. Have fun!