Early Childhood Educators

Baby Sign Language featured in Child Care Bridges - Spring 2023

"As an early childcare educator, one of the most challenging parts can be communicating with infants and toddlers who are still learning how to talk. It can be difficult when you can’t understand each other. Imagine if there was a way to bridge that communication gap and make the days run smoother. Baby Sign Language can be that bridge!

Baby Sign Language uses basic signs that correspond to common words such as ‘milk’, ‘more’, and ‘all done’. There are many benefits for using sign language. This article will cover the main reasons why this simple, yet powerful tool can be a game-changer!

Enhances Communication

One of the most significant benefits of sign language is that it enhances the communication between children and their caregivers. Infants and toddlers often resort to gesturing or crying to get their needs met, which can result in a lot of guesswork. As you start introducing signs, children can learn how to express themselves more effectively. For example, if a child signs ‘potty’ they can be brought to the washroom, this creates a more responsive environment.
It is important to note that signs do not replace spoken words, for hearing children, but they are used for visual cues to enhance their understanding and empower them to communicate before they can talk.

Reduces Language Barriers

Often children have an additional language barrier. For instance, a child’s family may use another primary language in the home, which makes English words difficult to decipher. Another child may have a speech and/or developmental delay. Sign language can enable these children to get their needs met in a timely matter before their frustration rises and causes them to be upset. Not only will they be able to communicate their needs with a caregiver, but they will also be able to socialize better with their peers!

Many childcare providers have already incorporated Baby Sign Language for this use, and it has been well received. Leslie from Campus Childcare says, “I have been using sign language with children in my room for several years. I have found that all the children are very eager to learn and use signs. It allows the children with speech or developmental delays to interact with their peers more effectively and reduces their frustration. As a result, our room runs more smoothly.”

Continuity between home and childcare program

In recent years, Baby Sign Language has become increasingly popular among parents. This means some children coming into your care already have these skills! Danielle Miller introduced signs to her son around 6 months. He was just starting to utilize the signs prior to attending K.I.D.S. Inc. Danielle was pleased the caregivers were able to recognize his cues and reinforce the signs throughout the day.

“Signing has been such a life saver!” Danielle says. “At 16 months, he can now communicate when he’s hungry, thirsty, all done or wants more. His newest signs are ‘bath’ and ‘dog’. I love seeing the delight in his eyes when he knows I understand him and that I genuinely care about his interests.”

Danielle Miller's son signing 'bath' with our Baby Sign Language book.

Tips for getting started:

Learning the signs and knowing how to implement them may seem overwhelming at first, but it is relatively easy once you get started.

Choose 3-5 signs. ‘More’ and ‘all done’ are the most popular signs and you can use them throughout the whole day.
Think of specific words in your everyday routines. For example, ‘eat’ for lunch or ‘bed’ for nap time.
Learn the signs accurately by using an ASL dictionary or Baby Sign Language book.
Put up visuals for reminders. Posters are a great idea!

Inform parents that you will be implementing Baby Sign Language as they may be interested in doing it at home too.

Once you feel comfortable with the basics, add a few more signs. For instance, introduce a specific sign like ‘cracker’. Or when you go outside and see a bird, sign it for the children. You can even enrich story time by sprinkling a sign, here and there. Baby Sign Language not only bridges communication but it’s engaging and fun too! Getting started takes some practice, but it is well worth the effort!"

Book a Professional Development:

Testimonial - "We hired Serena to come teach our staff baby sign in order to be more inclusive. She tailored the workshops to our specific needs and even went so far as to look up songs for us, since we are a French centre and couldn’t use the songs, she usually teaches.

She was very patient, friendly, and supportive. We went through some of the benefits of signing, practiced many different signs and learned a great deal.

If you are looking to expand your communication repertoire, become more inclusive and encourage language development, I highly recommend her!"

Jamye Lovering

Assistant Director

Le Coin Magique Inc.

Book a Child Care Visit:

Caregivers and children will enjoy learning basis signs through music.

20-30 minutes of engagement for your program.

Child Care Visits for 2023

Campus Childcare

K.I.D.S Inc South Pointe

Meadows West Kids Kare

Heritage Park Children's Program

Festival Early Learning and Childcare Center