Westminster daycare teaches babies to use sign language

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — A Westminster daycare is teaching American Sign Language to babies as young as 6 months old. 

“Children always want to learn something new, and we give them the opportunity to do that,” said Nicole Kunsman, director of The Learning Experience Child Care Center. “The teachers kind of streamline that process by using the sign language.”

Lessons start early because educators know kids are curious. According to a study by the National Institute of Health, babies who are taught sign language replaced crying with signing when they needed to communicate.

“We found that it was really helpful to our children to be able to communicate their basic needs,” Kunsman said. “We want children to learn because they can, not because we just want them to do it but because we notice that they really respond to that.”

Perlita Chavez, an employee with The Learning Experience, said she sees that response on a daily basis. She works with toddlers around 18 months old.

“It’s really exciting because they’re more interactive,” Chavez said. “They might not fully communicate or use their words, but ASL for sure helps. I can see them ask me for water and more milk please. They communicate within the classroom, not just with the teachers. They sign to each other, so it’s easier for them, more comfortable for them to feel comfortable.” 

The children are introduced to sign language using everyday needs. Teachers incorporate words when reading, eating and during playtime.

“When children learn sign language at an early age, it even helps them develop the spoken language,” Kunsman said. “Even as a parent myself, I was able to be more successful at home because my children were able to communicate with me because they learned it at school.”

Those with the Learning Experience said if kids go through the whole program, they should know at least 50 words by the time they’re 6 years old.