Parents Major in Communicating with Infants at Baby Signing University."

KinderSigns.com is the home of "Baby Signing University," the definitive online resource for parents who want to learn how to communicate with their pre-verbal babies through sign langauge. FREE Lessons, FREE Resources and Ongoing Support are provided plus access to a full instructional program.

Orlando, FL – Amanda is only 11 months old yet she can tell her parents when she is hungry, thirsty, or has a stomachache. How can she communicate at such an early age? Because her parents took things into their own hands – quite literally – at Baby Signing University, the focal point of a new website on todays hottest parenting topic -- teaching sign language to hearing babies.

Since the early 1990s, interest in teaching pre-verbal infants to communicate by signing has skyrocketed. While several books and how-to videos have been created on the subject, parents are generally left to their own devises. E-Learners at Baby Signing University dont have to go it alone.

The website is the brainchild of Diane Ryan, a speech and language therapist, and founder of KinderSigns, an Orlando, Florida based private practice that provides instruction on teaching the technique to babies. Following a growing demand for her services at area hospitals, colleges, parenting groups and community organizations, she decided to take it to the masses by creating http://www.kindersigns.com

According to Ryan, I noticed that there were a lot of things missing in other programs. In addition to the lack of ongoing support, none of the existing programs was created by a speech and language professional. Promoting verbal language as well as sign language, for example, was totally ignored."

For those who are already baby signing," KinderSigns provides an animated dictionary of the most popular baby signs as well as other signing resources for FREE. For those new to the concept, information and current research supporting the idea is available at no cost. A subscription to the newsletter, Baby Signing Today is also FREE to visitors.

Once parents learn that babies who sign are less frustrated, have IQs that are 10-12 points higher plus speak earlier than non-signers, they are convinced," Ryan said. They can then register for Baby Signing 101, a complete how-to course and learn the entire technique (online or offline) in less than one hour.

The first three lessons of Baby Signing 101 are FREE. Before making a financial commitment, students can study the history and growth of the baby signing phenomenon and the benefits it offers for babies and parents. Our site is so comprehensive we even provide information about the other signing programs that are available," Ryan stated. Thats how confident we are about our program." After the free introductory lessons, parents then decide if they want to take advantage of the introductory price of $19.95 and access the Instructional Core of the course.

According to Ryan, My experience has demonstrated that parents want specific tips and precise information. Some have read instructional books but found they werent clear enough. It became evident that a more comprehensive program that including ongoing support was needed."

Baby Signing 101 is the first of its kind offering this specific type of self-paced online instruction. Ongoing Support is available for as long as a student requires it. Support features include Live Bi-Monthly Q& A Sessions and Online Support Group membership. To keep students motivated and on track, a 3-month subscription to Signing Success is also included.

Course materials are available for downloading. They include an Illustrated Baby Signing Reference Dictionary plus a Baby Signing Journal to record a babys progress and to update grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers. Baby Signing games and activities to promote verbal language are also featured.

KinderSigns currently offers one course for parents at Baby Signing U. A second, Baby Signing for Childcare Providers is planned for late Fall.

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Contact: Diane Ryan
KinderSigns
dianeryan@kindersigns.com
407-767-2966 (until July 1)
321-439-5959
Website: http://www.kindersigns.com