2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| Clinical and Educational Support in Early Intervention: The Impact of Educational Specialists in Pediatric Hearing Healthcare
Clinical and Educational Support in Early Intervention: The Impact of Educational Specialists in Pediatric Hearing Healthcare
Educational support for children with hearing loss is a critical component of their long-term success. Because children spend more than 1,000 hours each year in early childhood education or school, the quality of educational planning and support can significantly shape both their academic growth and social-emotional development. Research shows that 64% of students with hearing loss spend at least 80% of their time in typical education environments, which underscores the importance of ensuring access, inclusion, and the right accommodations. For families, this means navigating complex systems such as Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans on top of understanding audiological and language interventions. Educators working in clinical environments play a vital role in guiding families. At the University of Miami Children’s Hearing Program, the educational specialist plays a crucial role on the multi-disciplinary team. Families are referred for support for a wide variety of reasons. The primary reason is IEP/504 Development (22%), followed closely by IEP/504 issues (21%). Additional referral reasons included IEP/504 Consultation (19%), and Early Steps/Early Intervention (11%). Overall, the findings highlight that referrals most often addressed the development and implementation of IEPs, with additional attention given to planning for early intervention. The findings underscore the importance of having an educational specialist on the multidisciplinary team. Most referrals resulted in variable outcomes however referral pathways help ensure that families have the support they need to optimize their long-term success for their children. The educator’s expertise can empower parents to advocate effectively and to make informed decisions about school placements, service delivery, and long-term planning. With coordinated efforts between families and clinical educators, children with hearing loss can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
- Participants will understand the role a educational specialist can play in clinical practice.
- Participants will understand the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in providing early intervention supports to families.
- Participants will identify resources to support families to support families educationally.
Presentation:
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Handouts:
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Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Alexandria Mestres
(Primary Presenter), University of Miami Children's Hearing Program, asm120@med.miami.edu;
Alexandria Mestres holds degrees in Education of the Hearing Impaired and Elementary Education as well as a Masters in Applied Learing Sciences. Alex has worked as an administrator, professional development trainer, and consultant in the fields of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education and Early Childhood. She is currently working for the University of Miami Children's Hearing Program as the educational specialist.She also works across multiple counties in the state of Florida as a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist for Charter Schools. She also works with AGBell's LEAP program, and serves ACIA's scientific committee.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with University of Miami Children's Hearing Program
Academica Charter Schools
Charter Schools USA
AGBell Florida
ACIA.
Nature: employment, consulting, board member, scientific commitee.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Ivette Cejas
(Co-Author), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, icejas@med.miami.edu;
Dr. Ivette Cejas is an Associate Professor and Director of Family Support Services at the University of Miami Ear Institute. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Florida. Dr. Cejas is a well-known researcher in pediatric hearing loss, publishing extensively in this area and at numerous conferences. As part of the UM Children’s Hearing program she provides therapeutic services to children and families coping with a hearing loss diagnosis or comorbid disorders. She is an advocate for all children with hearing loss and organizes a comprehensive family program at UHealth to assist families through their journey with hearing loss. She is on the Board of Directors at AG Bell and is a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -