LEAD-K South Carolina
Every child deserves access to language.
The first few years of life are critical for language development. For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, early access to language — through spoken language, American Sign Language (ASL), or a combination of communication approaches — is essential for developing communication, learning, and social-emotional skills.
The LEAD-K (Language Equality & Acquisition for Deaf Kids) movement is a nationwide effort to help ensure that deaf and hard of hearing children develop age-appropriate language during the critical early years of life.
What Is LEAD-K?
LEAD-K is proposed legislation that focuses on language development, not on promoting one communication approach over another.
If enacted in South Carolina, the legislation would establish a framework for monitoring language development in deaf and hard of hearing children from birth through age five and would support families by improving access to balanced, evidence-informed resources about language development and communication options.
It also calls for recommendations regarding language milestones, assessment tools, professional training, and resources that can help identify and address language delays as early as possible.
Why Is LEAD-K Important?
Research consistently shows that the earliest years of life are the most important period for language acquisition. Children who have consistent access to language during these years are better positioned to develop the communication, literacy, and learning skills that support future success.
Because every child and every family is different, there is no single communication approach that is right for everyone. Families deserve access to accurate, balanced information about the full range of communication options, services, and supports available so they can make informed decisions that best meet their child's individual needs.
What LEAD-K Supports
A framework built around language, family choice, and collaboration.
Equal access to language development for deaf and hard of hearing child alongside hearing peers.
Family access to balanced, evidence-informed information.
Regular monitoring of language development during the early years.
Recommendations for appropriate language assessment resources.
Professional training and resources that strengthen early intervention services.
Collaboration among families, healthcare providers, educators, and early intervention professionals.
What LEAD-K Does Not Do
Clearing up common misconceptions.
- Require families to choose a particular communication method.
- Require children to learn sign language.
- Eliminate spoken language services.
- Replace or change a family's rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Change how Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are developed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what families ask most often.
No. LEAD-K does not require any specific communication approach. Families remain free to choose the communication methods that best meet their child's needs.
No. LEAD-K does not replace the protections, services, or decision-making processes established under IDEA. IFSPs and IEPs continue to be developed by families and their educational teams.
LEAD-K is intended to benefit deaf and hard of hearing children from birth through age five, their families, and the professionals who support them by promoting early language development and providing access to balanced, evidence-informed resources.
Stay Informed
South Carolina's LEAD-K legislation is expected to be introduced during the upcoming legislative session.
As additional information becomes available, this page will be updated with:
- The bill number and current legislative status
- Opportunities to learn more
- Frequently asked questions
- Ways to stay informed throughout the legislative process
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