
California Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI)
Home » About LEAD-K Family Services
We connect families with local school districts, Early Start home visit teachers, parent mentors, Deaf coaches, and other essential supports. Our comprehensive approach ensures every child has the opportunity to develop bilingual language skills and reach their full potential.
This is the right place for your family’s journey.
LEAD-K Family Services provides a range of programs, including early intervention, home visits, comprehensive assessments, and individualized plans. We offer resources for both ASL and spoken language development, Deaf coaching, parent mentoring, audiology, speech and language services, playgroups, and assistance with transitioning to school. Our dedicated team ensures that every child and family receives personalized support to thrive in a bilingual environment in ASL and English.
By promoting early engagement, we empower children to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
LEAD-K Family Services has been the proud recipient of a federal grant since 2020, awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA-20-047). Since then, we have become the official Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program in California. There are 40+ members of the Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Team, and we aim to increase this number by 10%.
What is LEAD-K?
LEAD-K stands for Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids.
The State of California requires all hospitals to conduct a hearing screening for newborn babies. Our goals include:
Dear Parents,
You and your family are starting on what might be an unexpected, but exciting journey with your child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. With our resources, mentoring, and coaching, we will support you so that your child has the earliest possible access to language development and communication.
We understand that you may be experiencing many different emotions. We believe that families who are involved and knowledgeable are the key to creating a successful future for ALL children. We can assure you that your child will grow up to become a productive, independent member of society.
You are not alone. We are here to help you!
Lead-K Family Services is here for you and your family.
Ensure 95% of all births are screened for hearing by 1 month old.
Increase by 10% the number of babies diagnosed as Deaf or Hard of Hearing by 3 months old.
If a baby is identified as possibly Deaf or Hard of Hearing, parents will be provided with information for a complete hearing test by an audiologist. Results of the hearing test are sent to LEAD-K Family Services.
Increase by 15% the number of babies enrolled for an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) by 6 months old.
LEAD-K Family Services notifies the Local Early Education Agency (LEA) or Regional Center when a baby identified as Deaf or Hard of Hearing is in their area. They will contact the parents to start an IFSP within 45 days.
A LEAD-K Parent Mentor, who also has a Deaf child, will contact the family in their home language.
Task Force to expand hearing screening through age 3.
Sub-Committee to improve language acquisition outcomes.
Increase by 10% the number of families receiving Deaf Coach Services.
LEAD-K Family Services coordinates with the LEA to set up coaching services for the family. The family pairs up with a Deaf Coach, an adult role model who can share life experiences, teach the family American Sign Language, and provide guidance with English language acquisition.
Dear Parents,
You and your family are starting on what might be an unexpected, but exciting journey with your child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. With our resources, mentoring, and coaching, we will support you so that your child has the earliest possible access to language development and communication.
We understand that you may be experiencing many different emotions. We believe that families who are involved and knowledgeable are the key to creating a successful future for ALL children. We can assure you that your child will grow up to become a productive, independent member of society.
You are not alone. We are here to help you!
Lead-K Family Services is here for you and your family.
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NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a non-profit organization serving individuals, families, and the general public across 24 northeastern counties of California. They manage LEAD-K Family Services, offering essential support and resources to promote early language development and communication.
NorCal provides a range of services, including employment assistance, advocacy, peer counseling, and communication support. They also run Camp Grizzly, a summer camp for children aged 7 to 18, fostering fun and skill development. For more information, visit norcalcenter.org.