Improving Print Knowledge for Children With Hearing Loss
This R56 award will address questions pertaining to the feasibility of the Sit Together and Read (STAR) intervention for children with hearing loss (HL). Evidence suggests that STAR, a caregiver-implemented early literacy intervention, imparts positive effects on print knowledge gains and later reading outcomes for children at risk for reading difficulties, such as those with language impairment and those living in poverty. To date there are no large-scale studies examining literacy interventions for children with HL, who are also known to be at risk for reading disorders. However, prior to engaging in a large-scale study, this research will establish preliminary feasibility and efficacy data for this specific population who will likely benefit from a evidence-based, manualized intervention. In addition to collecting pilot data regarding the feasibility and efficacy of this intervention for children with HL, this study will also determine barriers and challenges experienced by caregivers of children with HL in implementing the intervention. As such, this study will also yield important information regarding adaptations of the existing STAR intervention that may be required for successful and effective implementation for children with HL, and can be incorporated into future submissions.
Start: January 2020