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Busy Bee Learning was created by two moms (and Signing Time fans!).
One mom, Allison, a previous teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH), graduated from the University of Southern California
(USC) with a master's degree in education as well as completed the coursework for a DHH credential. She also obtained
a bachelor's degree in child development from California State University, Fullerton. Allison is fluent in ASL and
completed the ASL interpreter training program at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California.
Allison’s
past teaching experience includes high school DHH student’s grades 9 – 12. She also taught preschool aged children
with speech and language issues including children with Autism and Apraxia of Speech. She currently provides ASL interpreting
services for DHH students at CSU, Fullerton in addition to working as an independent contractor with Signing Time. Allison
has been fortunate enough to have written many documents for Signing Time including: lesson plans, educational philosophy,
craft activities, parent, teacher, and professional worksheets, etc.
The other mom, Judy, a previous business
owner and president, brings her wealth of knowledge and business sense to ensure that while visiting us, you find this experience
to be an enjoyable one, offering high-quality products that will keep you coming back for years to come.
People often ask me "How did you become
interested in American Sign Language? Did you know someone who is Deaf? Why did you start Busy Bee Learning?"
Actually, not only did I not
know a Deaf person, but I had never met or been in contact with a Deaf person up until I attended college. When I
graduated high school, I attended Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California. One semester, while contemplating classes
I would take, and flipping through the mountain of pages in the course catalog, I stumbled upon it - "American Sign Language."
Having discovered this class and the other ASL classes offered, a whole new world opened up which would impact my life tremendously.
I had taken 3 ASL classes at Mt. San Antonio College when I realized it was time to transfer and get a degree
in something. After spending two years at CSU, Fullerton studing to become a teacher, I realized that the idea of
teaching typical hearing children didn't inspire me. One month before graduation, I re-enrolled in the American
Sign Language program at Mt. SAC and accepted a job as an aide/ASL interpreter in a Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) program at
a High School in Whittier, CA. One year later, I became the teacher and director of this program.
It was then that I enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC) where I earned my Masters Degree in Education
along with completing the coursework for a DHH credential. In my first year of teaching I quickly learned the struggles
DHH kids face in education. I also realized how inadequate education is in meeting the needs of DHH students. In addition,
I met parents most of which had never learned sign language and therefore had very limited interaction with their kids. Most
of the parents learned about their children once a year at the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting where an interpreter
was present to assist parents and other staff in communicating with the Deaf student. It was a very sad reality.
When I went on to teaching children with speech apraxia, autism,
speech and language issues and deafness at the preschool level, I met many parents whose children had recently been diagnosed
who were still dealing with the shock and disbelief that their child would not be "normal." It was at this time
that I met one particularly special mom who I will call "Lynne." I met Lynne for the first time at an IEP meeting
for her son. Her son was four-years-old, born Deaf and had been implanted with a cochlear implant at the age of 2. I
was meeting with Lynne to discuss my concerns for her child. At the age of 4 he knew about 4 - 5 signs and had no spoken language.
As the meeting went on, she sank into her chair and tears began to roll down her cheeks. It was then that I learned of her
deep personal struggles trying to find support and advice of where to go, and what to do. As a full-time working mom when
would she find the time to learn sign language and how would she teach her child? Having had these experiences and hearing
the same things year after year, I decided to start Busy Bee Learning. Our goal is quite simple - make learning fun! We create
products that allow parents and caregivers to learn ASL while they bond and play with their child. What better way to learn
a second language while engaged in a playful activity with your child, niece, nephew, brother, sister, etc. American Sign
Language is a beautiful language that has allowed many children with special needs to blossom in ways once thought unattainable.
Sign Language is not only for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, it is for ALL children.
We love to hear your success stories about your children and their use of sign language as well
as questions you may have. If you are looking for support or ways to integrate sign language into your home or classroom,
please contact us. We would love to help you make signing a success in your home or school! If there is anything we can do
to assist you, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Allison
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