This qualitative study explores the level of satisfaction of parents regarding early identification/intervention services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH). The purpose of this study is to compare the progress of children who are D/HH with their hearing peers on elements used to measure the readiness of students to enter the first grade as measured by teacher and parental perception/satisfaction. This study will include a qualitative exploration of assistive strategies and parental choices regarding early-intervention services, amplification, and modes of communication. Furthermore, it will provide and analyze data concerning teacher and parent perception of the relative success of the various pre-school interventions for children with hearing losses.

The study employs a qualitative case-study methodology using an in-depth guided-interview format to collect data. Participants include four families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Triangulation of data sources is achieved through guided in-depth interviews with parents, document review, verbatim transcripts of all interviews, and personal observations. The findings reveal levels of functioning for children who are D/HH upon entry into the school system through the end of their kindergarten year and levels of parental satisfaction concerning their choices made about early-intervention services prior to their children's entry into the school system.