Welcome to Language First’s
Connecticut Early Language Center (ELC-CT)
49 Tolland Turnpike, Suite 205
Manchester, CT 06042
Language First’s Early Language Centers (ELCs) are the first of their kind to implement a co-teaching model in language intervention groups for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) infants, toddlers, and young children. Each group is led by a collaborative team consisting of an ASL-fluent speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a Deaf native-signing interventionist. Together, they jointly plan and deliver themed, play-based sessions that integrate their complementary expertise and skills. This innovative model leverages the Deaf professional’s lived experience and native language proficiency alongside the SLP’s specialization in language development and intervention, resulting in uniquely tailored and highly effective service delivery.
Services we offer:
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Our group sessions are designed for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) infants and toddlers, their siblings, and their caregivers. They are themed, play-based sessions where American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language.
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Our one-on-one sessions support bilingual development in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English, tailored to your child’s communication needs and strengths. -
We offer independent, comprehensive, bilingual (ASL-English) language evaluations.
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Our parent workshops offer practical, research-backed guidance on supporting early language development for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children. Families gain resources, evidence, and strategies to foster language-rich environments at home.
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Our ASL classes are designed to support families through parallel learning experiences. Parents develop practical signing skills while their children engage in immersive, age-appropriate language activities in the next room.
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We offer special one-on-one sessions where parents and their Deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) child learn ASL together. These sessions are ideal for older children who use English as a primary language but would like to learn ASL.
TEAM
We are a team of Deaf native-signing interventionists and ASL-fluent speech-language pathologists and teachers of the deaf with specialized expertise in early childhood education, language acquisition, and early intervention. Together, we bring a collaborative, linguistically accessible approach to supporting young DHH children. Meet our Connecticut team here.
Want to work for us? Check out our job openings.
SCHEDULE
See our full schedule below!
If you are interested in attending a session, please register here.
DIRECTIONS & CONTACT
We are located at 49 Tolland Turnpike, Suite 205 in Manchester, CT. Take exit 63 off of 84, turn into the complex at the Travelodge, and take a right at the law offices. We are the building behind Big Sky.
Want to get in touch? Email us at elc-ct@language1st.org
Every moment at the ELC is about connection. Children acquiring new signs, parents joining in play, and families learning together. Our events invite curiosity, laughter, and shared experience as Deaf children grow side by side through language and exploration.
Browse our photos to see what language learning in action looks like at the ELC.
