All preschool and pre-k students receive a speech and hearing screening each fall. Students identified as needing speech services can receive further evaluation and weekly therapy if indicated.
Services are provided by a contracted therapist through a cost share arrangement with the preschool in which families pay a per session copay directly to HLCC. While we do not participate in health insurance plans, we can provide a receipt for these services for health spending accounts.
At this time, we anticipate having speech services on Wednesdays only. If your child participates in speech and doesn’t attend a 3, 4, or 5 day class, you will need to provide transportation to appointments on that day.
If you are registered for school at HLCC and believe your child would benefit from speech services, complete this form: https://forms.gle/iGMRfaYeejqwUkWr9
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Speech services in early childhood education settings can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:
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Early Identification and Intervention: Speech services can help identify speech and language issues early on, allowing for timely intervention. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes and can prevent more severe problems later in life.
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Improved Communication Skills: Speech services can help children develop better communication skills, including speech clarity, vocabulary, and grammar. Improved communication skills can lead to better academic performance and social interactions.
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Boosts Confidence: Children who receive speech services often experience a boost in confidence as they become more comfortable expressing themselves. This can have positive effects on their overall development and readiness for school.
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Support for Special Needs: For children with special needs, speech services can be essential in helping them overcome communication challenges and participate more fully in classroom activities.
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Enhanced Social Skills: Improved communication skills can also lead to better social skills, as children can more effectively interact with peers and adults.
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Academic Success: Speech services can help improve pre-literacy and literacy skills, which are foundational for academic success in later years.
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Parental Involvement: Speech services often involve parents in the process, providing them with strategies to support their child’s speech and language development at home.
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Cultural and Linguistic Sensitivity: Speech services can be tailored to be culturally and linguistically sensitive, respecting the diverse backgrounds of children and families in early childhood settings.
Overall, speech services in early childhood education settings play a vital role in supporting children’s development and preparing them for future success.
