First in Hérault: deaf children learn in an ordinary nursery class in Montpellier

C’est à Port-Marianne que le premier PEJSa été lancé ce lundi, à l’occasion de la rentrée scolaire. ML – GR

Le premier Pôle d’enseignement des jeunes sourds (PEJS) de l’Hérault a vu le jour ce lundi 2 septembre dans une classe de l'école maternelle Michel de Lhospital, à Port-Marianne.

Next to the word “Monday”, displayed on the board of this nursery class, a small character says Monday in sign language. The first PEJS (Pôle d’Enseignement des Jeunes Sourds) of Hérault was launched yesterday at the Michel de l’Hospital nursery school. This innovative system, which has existed since 2017, allows young people who are deaf or hard of hearing to receive bilingual education in sign language and written French.

“There have been deaf children in this school for a long time, but until now they were in a CSDA unit (Specialized Center for the Hearing Impaired), recalls Cathy Marçais, a primary school teacher. There was a strong demand for a PEJS here. And since I was involved in this project of working with the deaf from the age of fifteen, it is a return to my roots for me."

This year, six deaf children (three three-year-olds, one four-year-old and two five-year-olds) are in a class of 21 students. “Everyone will be enriched by their differences”, the teacher rejoices. “A CSDA teacher will teach them sign language for two hours per week. But I hope that we can increase this time."

"This system meets a real need, because we welcome children from Frontignan, Sète or Fabrègues, explains Émilie Champetier, director of the school. Their parents are prepared to travel a long way or even move so that their child can join a regular class."

Alex and Ilona live in Baillargues. “We will do the car trips every day because it is important for our son Aybegil. He was the only deaf child in the nursery, and it was difficult for him to communicate with the others. There, we know that he will have adapted teachings."

After kindergarten, deaf children will join a UE (teaching unit) class that already welcomes students from CP to CM2, at the Michel de Lhospital elementary school.

"It's also a chance for other students"

"When we know how difficult schooling is for deaf children, it's great to be able to offer them a teacher and a ÆSH (supporters of students with disabilities) who speak sign language", emphasizes Sophie Bejean, rector of the Academy.

"It is also thanks to a partnership with the CSDA that this system was able to see the light of day. Inclusion from a very young age is an opportunity for these children, but also for all the others who will learn alongside them."

"I am delighted that the rector has installed this system in Montpellier, thanks Mayor Michaël Delafosse. Here, the town hall staff will follow training in sign language to be as close as possible to those of the National Education system."

Even if "our country is very behind" in the field of inclusion, it is progressing every year. "Thirteen ULIS (Localized Units for School Inclusion) schemes are open this year in Hérault, as well as several for autistic students", concludes the rector.

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