COMMUNICATING EMOTIONS: SOCIO-EMOTIONAL LEARNING FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN IN EARLY YEARS

Abstract

Early childhood is a crucial stage for building social and emotional skills. For deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children, Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) is especially important but a lot more challenging due to communication barriers and late identification. In India, considerable no. of children are born with hearing loss every year, yet many remain undiagnosed or lack timely support. This chapter discusses the approximate affected number of children in India, issues faced by parents when a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) child is born, challenges faced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children and their families, the current situation of services in India, and the importance of early intervention. It also highlights practical strategies for teachers, families, and communities to strengthen Socio-Emotional learning (SEL) and promote inclusion for DHH children.