Babies as young as 6-weeks old are learning American Sign Language at the Learning Experience Daycare Center in Kings Park.

Infants and toddlers are taught how to sign words such as drink, milk, please and thank you.

The day care staff says signing also helps parents know what their little ones are asking for and helps to reduce tantrums.

"It helps infants and toddlers with their frustrations and helps them communicate their needs. Younger children don't have language skills yet, so when they want things, they are able to show us through signing," says Nicole Schwarcz, of the Learning Experience.

Early childhood educators say sign language also helps to enhance cognitive thinking in infants and toddlers, as well as improve their social skills among their young peers.