We are experts in typical child growth and development. When in doubt-ask an expert in the field.Is what you are observing common for this age group? Once you have reviewed your observations, look at the developmental expectations of that age. Are there common patterns (for example of sound replacements- the child replaces the “ch” sound with a “t” sound). Do this over a period of time and then review your results. If you or a parent are concerned about a child’s speech or language development, record conversations. Observe and record….OFTEN! Part of our day should be spent recording observations of children in our programs.Call to set up a basic training on what to look for as far as developmental norms and red flags. Call your local college or search Google for a local Speech & Language Pathologist. Contact a local speech/language pathologist.New information, studies and research come out often-be aware of them as part of your professional development. Stay current in growth and development training and knowledge.The best and most appropriate steps we can take to be sure that we handle developmental concerns in a professional manner and within limits of are training are: 9 Tips for Teachers Regarding the Potential Need for Speech Therapy Our role is to know what the developmental norms are for speech and language acquisition (as well as other areas of growth and development ) for the ages of children that we care for. The child with language issues may simply speak a different language at home and their “problem” is learning of a new language.Īs preschool teachers, we have training and experience that lets us know when children do not appear to be developing within the typical stages.The child with language issues may have sensory/sensory integration issues.A child with speech issues may have a hearing or inner ear problem that has not been detected yet.A child may have one of many number of other things going on that are affecting them and the issues, in which case, the "problem" you see in their speech and language may actually be a symptom of this other issue. The child’s issue, many times, may not be a speech or language disorder. Speech Therapy in Preschool: Defining "Disorder"Ī speech disorder refers to a problem with the production of sounds.Ī language disorder refers to having difficulty either understanding sounds/words or having difficulty putting words together to communicate thoughts or ideas. Once we say that to a parent, their child has been “diagnosed by an expert”. We should NOT be telling parents that we feel their child has a speech problem or a language problem. We need to remember that we are NOT the experts in speech and language (unless, of course, you have a Masters degree in speech and language pathology!). Now, don’t lose it over my next statement, it is blunt but true: The parent will now expect a specialist to begin speech therapy. If we answer yes, we have just labeled that child and the parent assumes we are correct because we are, after all, the expert when it comes to children. When asked if we think their child has a speech or language problem and if we think they need speech therapy, we need to be very careful about how we answer. It is when a pattern of usage that is out of the developmental norm can be seen in their speech or language that a red flag should be raised by teachers to decide if referral for speech therapy or language therapy assessment is necessary.Īs teachers, we are called on by parents to answer some questions that are not easily answered. It is part of their preschool speech and language growth and development.
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