This program serves students who qualify as deaf/hard of hearing, and whose hearing loss interferes with the processing of linguistic information, even with recommended amplification, and which adversely affects educational performance. A student is determined eligible for services by either an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for students ages birth through 3-years of age or by an Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee for students ages 3 through 21-years.

The Northwest Harris County Cooperative for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a Regional Day School Program for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RDSPD) which works in partnership with the State of Texas Education Service Centers and member districts of the RDSPD. The Northwest Harris County Cooperative for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is located in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. The Cooperative serves five school districts including Cypress Fairbanks ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Klein ISD, Tomball ISD, and Waller ISD. 

Due to the low incidence of deafness, students may come from several districts to a central location (public school) for education services or be served by teachers who are certified to work with students who are deaf/hard of hearing on their home campuses. As part of the Northwest Harris County Cooperative for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, services for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing are provided through the Parent-Infant Program, itinerant services, and site-based services.  Additional services may be provided by a speech pathologist and an audiologist.

• This program serves children who are deaf or hard of hearing ranging in ages from birth to 3-years of age within our member districts.  This service is coordinated with an Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program.
• A home-based program is utilized and is centered around the needs of both the parent(s) and the child.
• The program uses the home environment to develop language and stimulate speech and auditory skills in the child.
• The SKI*HI model is utilized with the children in addition to other educational programs.

• This program serves students who are deaf/hard of hearing ranging in age from 3 to 21-years of age who attend schools in their home school district within our member districts.
• Teachers with certification in deaf education travel among the school districts to provide students with direct and/or consult services.
• Direct services generally emphasize language development, speech, listening skills, and self-advocacy.
• Consult services are provided for students who do not receive direct itinerant services in the areas of IEP participation, hearing equipment training, and recommendations on accommodations for students who are deaf and hard of hearing.

• All services are located in public school settings. On-site campuses; Birkes Elementary, Matzke Elementary, Spillane Middle School, and Cy-Ridge High School.
• Services are provided from Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) through senior high.
• Students may participate in a general education setting with/without a certified teacher of students who are deaf/hard of hearing.
• Students may participate in a self-contained classrooms with individualized instruction to meet their unique needs.
• The high school provides programming in both academic and vocational tracks to meet students’ individual needs.

• A speech pathologist who is specifically trained to work with students who are deaf/hard of hearing
• Audiological services
• Interpreting services are provided when needed
• Occupational and/or physical therapy is also available
• Community Sign Language Classes

• Communication Philosophy

For more information, contact the Coordinator of Deaf Education at the Mark Henry Administration Building at 281-897-6425.