Sing & Sign Resources : Licensure - Bridge the gap the fun way with music, sign language and play!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should I become a licensed Baby Sing & Sign instructor?

Ø Baby Sing & Sign is an extraordinary program based on the premise that sign language is best taught to young children using music and play.

Ø Instructors show parents how to sing, sign, and play with their little children in order to provide an important communication tool before they are physically able to speak.

Ø Our instructors also facilitate a wonderful bonding experience between parent and child and teach many strategies that support the development of the whole child, including motor, problem solving, pre-reading and social skills.

Ø PAT educators, music therapists, and others who serve young children enjoy the adaptability of the materials to benefit the children they serve.

Who developed the Baby Sing & Sign program?

Ø Anne Meeker Miller began teaching Baby Sing & Sign classes at a major medical center in the Kansas City area in 2003.

Ø A music therapist working with preschoolers with special needs, she wanted to have an impact even earlier in the lives of young children when language is first acquired.

Ø She worked with a parent educator to create a program that is equal parts music, sign language, and play-based instruction. Her goal was to create language enrichment that is enjoyable and enhances the bond between parent and child.

Do I need prior sign language training to become an instructor?

Ø We require teachers to have an undergraduate degree in the fields of early childhood education, music education or therapy, healthcare, or speech/language pathology to become a licensee.

Ø You should also have a pleasant singing voice and feel comfortable leading parents and their infants and toddlers as you sing, say and share information detailed in our lesson plans.

Ø You do not need prior sign language training. As part of your licensure training, you would devote time to studying the sign language instruction in the Baby Sing & Sign book as well as the performance of all signs included in the program on the sample class DVD we will provide. You would also create a practice class so that you feel comfortable singing and leading the songs in a group setting before you “open your doors for business.”

What is required to become a licensed instructor?

The process includes:

Ø Completion of an online application

Ø Purchase of our comprehensive training program

What do licensed instructors receive?

As one of our instructors, you will receive:

a Baby Sing & Sign license to use our materials and logos, as well as, the right to represent yourself as an approved Baby Sing & Sign instructor
a Training Kit, including:

an instructor manual with your self-paced training guide
a CD of reproducible materials such as registration and evaluation forms, flyers and graduation certificate
an instructional DVD including a sample class and demonstration of all signs for instruction
a music CD of instrumental-only versions of the 12 Baby Sing & Sign songs
an copy of the required textbook, Baby Sing & Sign: Communicate Early with Your Baby: Learning Signs the Fun Way through Music and Play (Avalon Publishing Group, 2007)
a Baby Sing & Sign window decal

technical support and consultation via email communication for your first six months of licensure regarding the use of the materials and other advice regarding instruction involving the Baby Sing & Sign Program
Discounted Baby Sing & Sign products

What is the cost for training to become a Baby Sing & Sign instructor?

Ø The purchase price for the Training Kit is $495.

Ø The beauty of Baby Sing & Sign is that there are no hidden costs.
Other programs typically require that you purchase multiple teacher kits, purchase home kits for each family, and pay per pupil fees for each participant that you teach.

Are there other costs?

Ø As you set up your program for the first time, you will need to purchase a variety of simple teaching materials for your business and as with any business venture, there are basic start-up costs you should consider as an investment in order to properly launch your new enterprise.

If I decide to offer classes in my community for a fee, how much money can I expect to make teaching classes?

Ø We believe it is appropriate to charge anywhere from $50 to $80 per participant for four 45-minute classes.

Am I permitted to teach Baby Sing & Sign activities if I’m not a licensed instructor?

Ø Those working with young children are welcome and encouraged to utilize the Baby Sing & Sign program as a resource.

Ø However, you may not advertise that you are teaching “Baby Sing & Sign” or use our logo or trademark to promote your baby sign language or other enrichment programming. These privileges are exclusively reserved for those who license with us to become instructors.

I’m already teaching for a company offering sign classes for young children. Can I incorporate Baby Sing & Sign content in my classes?

Ø Teaching any portion of our copyrighted program under the auspices of another licensed curriculum is expressly prohibited.

Ø It is unacceptable to incorporate or augment any Baby Sing & Sign activities, songs, materials or strategies into another existing licensure program serving children.

Can my organization obtain a license to teach Baby Sing & Sign to the families we serve?

We license individuals and not organizations. However, organizations can remit the cost of the licensure fees on behalf of a teacher, whether they are serving the organization as an employee or independent contractor. Organizations such as hospitals, child care facilities, therapy groups, or Parents As Teachers centers often find it is beneficial and cost-effective to pay for Baby Sing & Sign training and licensure fees for one or more members of their staff.

How do I become trained a licensed Baby Sing & Sign instructor?

Ø The program is highly structured but allows you to work at your own pace. You will study the book and guide on a schedule that meets your needs.

Ø The program will guide you step-by-step through the preparations necessary for marketing, developing your teaching boxes and materials, and setting up your business.

Ø Although individuals progress at different rates according to the time they have available for their new enterprise, plan to allow six to eight weeks to adequately prepare to begin teaching your classes.

What support will I receive from your company in order to be successful?

We will provide you with six months of free technical support and mentorship via email correspondence with one of our Baby Sing & Sign instructional specialists.

Join the Baby Sing & Sign family of licensed instructors and make a difference in the lives of young children.

The Baby Sing & Sign Licensure process is simple and straightforward. Click here to complete your online application and purchase your Baby Sing & Sign Licensure Training Kit today.

Once we receive your application and payment, we will mail your Baby Sing & Sign Licensure Training Kit to you promptly and you will be on your way to …sing, sign, and play!