Sign Language for babies, children and families!
In class or at a workshop, PDX Loves Signing teaches the Signing Time and Baby Signing Time curricula created by those behind the Emmy-nominated PBS show and teaches her students real American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary. As the only Master-Level Instructor in Oregon or Washington, our teacher works with not only infants, but with children of all ages as well as adults. She also has experience teaching signs to children with speech delays and special needs. Portland Loves Signing Time!
Keywords: Baby, Portland, Signing Time, Toddler, ASL, Sign Language, mommy and me, class, rec center, Signing Time Academy, special-needs kids, autism, down syndrome, deaf
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
I've been in business in Portland for under a year. Two Little Hands, the company that created the hit show Signing Time!, has been operating for nearly a decade now!
What is your primary product or service?
I use the Baby Signing Time and the Signing Time curricula to teach American Sign Language vocabulary to babies and children, as well as their parents. We use stories, silly songs, and arts and crafts to engage kids.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I started signing when I was six months old, grew up with some Deaf friends, and then started signing with my kids when they were born. Both my children have sensory-processing disorders, are speech-delayed and have other special needs, so signing gave us a way to communicate, when we normally would have been at a loss!
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
I'm the only Master-Level Instructor in the Pacific Northwest certified to teach Signing Time! I also teach older children and families, not just infants, and I go past MILK and MORE to teaching kids about setting the table, camping and the zoo. I only use REAL American Sign Language signs, not made-up gestures. ASL is a real language, and my goal is to give kids and families a very broad ASL vocabulary that will make it easier for them to become fluent. Why pay money for your kids to learn new words if they aren't real words?
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
I teach classes at Rec Centers in both SW and SE Portland, and do workshops all over the Portland Metro area.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Since our class locations change all the time, it is best to check our website and click on "classes" or "events." The location shown on the map is where our business office is.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept check, cash, and credit cards through PayPal.
Which areas do you service?
Mostly Portland proper, but we're looking at expanding out east a bit more.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The running of the business and our day-to-day operations are overseen by me, Carissa. I'm a Portland mother, a grad student, and a free-lance journalist.
What are your hours of operation?
Private classes can be scheduled almost any time, so give us a call if the times listed on our site don't work for you!