Nancy Hanauer
Baby Sign Language Classes Seattle

Hop to Signaroo ®

Websites:

• http://hoptosignaroo.com

I teach American Sign Language classes to hearing parents who use it with their hearing babies to communicate before speech is possible.  Normally developing hearing babies can express needs and wants such as "feed me", "change my diaper" and "my ear hurts" through simple American Sign Language vocabulary up to a year before their vocal chords are fully formed and fluent speech is possible and this greatly reduces everyone's frustration! 

I also offer American Sign Language classes for families of children with autism and other special needs. Many families have found that American Sign Language is extremely helpful with their children of limited or non-existant verbal skills. It's been wonderful to call upon my Special Education training and experience to help these families communicate more effectively, in addition to helping hearing families communicate with their hearing babies before they're able to speak.

Teaching, presenting, developing curriculum, writing, creating (part-time artist who sometimes teaches art classes, as well).  Oh, and making babies laugh...I'm pretty darn good at that!

I'm always looking for referrals and any new ideas for contract work during the day, such as art or sign language teaching opportunities or other opportunities in my areas of expertise of curriculum development, education, writing, etc. It's a tough gig when your clients are napping most of the afternoon, so I work a lot of nights and weekends and would love to secure some new weekday opportunities.

Additionally, I really need some assistance in gaining more national recognition. I have created a very strong local presence but am out to conquer the world (aren't we all?!) with national speaking engagements and national opportunities for my classes and products. I've already released my first two retail items and have ideas for children's sign language books and additional publications. However, I need some help in bringing those projects to fruition with angel investors or corporate backing, etc. As always, I have more ideas, drive and determination than funding to complete them!

My background includes a B.S. in Education, teaching credentials held in 3 states, 17+ years of teaching experience and 20 years of American Sign Language experience.

On a side note, I've performed comedy improv and stand-up comedy. I think these skills bring a lot to my presentation style and humor has always been a big part of my teaching and presenting "bag of tricks".

Before founding Hop to Signaroo, I was a Special Education Teacher. I began my career working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing kids and went on to work with hearing students with a variety of special needs and disabilities. I taught at the elementary and secondary levels and am now thrilled to be working with babies and parents.

I was one of the first teachers in North America teaching American Sign Language classes for hearing babies and have created Seattle's finest and longest-established infant sign language business, which is based on my own original curriculum. More than 3,000 Seattle-area parents and childcare professionals and 1,500+ babies have attended my classes since starting my company in 2000.

I'm the creator of Roo-minder Rings American Sign Language Reminder and Instruction Cards, which help parents sign consistently with their little ones. Roo-minder Rings have been featured as "Favorites" on two webzines; Red Tricycle and Mom's Favorite Stuff.

I've also lectured to several thousand parents and childcare professionals as a featured guest speaker at several early education conferences, through state agencies, at 20+ local libraries and for parenting groups across the state. I've taught my classes through numerous community agencies including Children's Hospital, Swedish Medical Centers, Stevens Hospital, Overlake Hospital, North Seattle and Bellevue Community Colleges and through private instruction. I've trained the Children's Librarians of King County and Sno-Isle Regional Library Systems in American Sign Language and Hop to Signaroo has been featured on KING 5 News, in Seattle Magazine, Parent Map Magazine, Seattle Post Intelligencer, the Life Magazine insert of the L.A. Times and Chicago Tribune and on Shrink Rap Radio with Dr. Dave Van Nuys Ph.D. just to name a few.