Bill > S4091

This bill establishes programs to address the specific needs of toddlers and children between the ages of three and five who are deaf or hard of hearing. The key provisions include: 1. The state's early intervention program will conduct activities to address the needs of toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing, such as holding biannual meetings with the toddler, their parent/guardian, and a "language team" (consisting of a pediatric audiologist, teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing, deaf mentor, and speech/language pathologist) until the toddler's language development meets set benchmarks. The program will also pair the toddler's parent/guardian with a trained deaf mentor. 2. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health, will conduct similar activities for children between ages 3-5 who previously received early intervention services, including biannual meetings with a language team and pairing the child's parent/guardian with a trained deaf mentor. 3. The bill requires the Commissioners of Health and Education to adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions. 4. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment, allowing for preliminary administrative actions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/S4091