Library to Host Sign Language Program for Babies

Tompkins County Public Library has announced the Saturday, August 5 launch of “Baby Signs® With Jill Barbuti van Leuken,” a weekly program designed to help caregivers communicate with their pre-verbal infants.

Packed with baby play time--featuring songs, books and socialization—and caregiver education and the what, why and how of signing, Baby Signs® programs will teach gestures specially modified from American Sign Language for young learners. Each program will feature a different theme, including mealtime, bedtime, bathtime and pets. 

Classes are designed for children six months to 2-years-old, and will be held weekly through August 26 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Barbuti van Leuken is an occupational therapist with the Ithaca City School District and an adjunct faculty member in Ithaca College’s Department of Occupational Therapy. To learn more about her education, experience and interests, visit http://faculty.ithaca.edu/jbarbutivanleuken/.

Baby Signs® programs are free. No registration is required.

For more information, contact the Library’s Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Baby Signs® with Jill Barbuti van Leuken is made possible with the support of M&T Bank through the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation.