This bill establishes an early language instruction program within the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services, aimed at supporting the language acquisition and developmental needs of deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children aged five and younger, along with their families. The program will provide services free of charge and requires families to present proof of their child's hearing loss, age, and residency in New Jersey to qualify for assistance. Each eligible child and their family will be paired with an American Sign Language Deaf Language Associate, who will offer up to 25 hours of instruction and support weekly in various settings, including childcare centers and homes.

In addition to the core language instruction, the program will also provide a range of supplementary services tailored to the needs of the child and family. These services include information and referral to other resources, case management by an American Sign Language fluent individual, assistance in finding qualified interpreters, resources for hearing aids, and sensitivity training for healthcare and educational providers regarding the needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The bill is supported by a $550,000 appropriation under the FY 2025 Appropriations Act and will take effect 90 days after enactment, with provisions for anticipatory administrative actions to facilitate its implementation.