Assessment: The First Step

An assessment of your child’s communication abilities will be completed by a Speech-Language Pathologist. Assessments are available in English and French, and occur in a variety of community locations, as appropriate. Results and recommendations will be discussed with you at that time.

As Speech and Language Develop in the Early Years

Explore My World

Children and their families attend five sessions where parents learn strategies to help young children develop early communication skills such as paying attention to their caregivers, imitating actions and sounds, and understanding language. 

Talking with Toddlers

Children and their families attend four group sessions and one individual session where parents learn strategies to help their children use their first single words.

Communicating Kids

This group is designed for parents of children who are delayed in their speech and language development and are ready to start combining words. Parents attend four weekly sessions with their children.

Young Speech Program

Children and their families attend four individual sessions. Parents learn strategies to improve speech production, and practice using the strategies during play time with their children.

As Social Communication Develops

It’s My Turn

Children and their families attend five individual sessions. Parents learn strategies to support their children’s early social communication skills, such as paying attention, copying, playing, and sharing an experience.

As Children Enter Junior Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten Group

Children learn and practice correct sound production and language skills in a small group with other children for four weekly sessions.   

Word Play: Emergent Literacy Program

Children attend seven group sessions where they participate in activities to increase language awareness and early reading skills. This program is for JK-aged children who may be at an increased risk of reading struggles due to their speech or language difficulties.

As Needed…

Weekly Therapy

Children and their families attend weekly therapy sessions at one of the PCS partner agencies (Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, St. Joseph’s Care Group, and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit) for at least one 7-10 week block. At the end of the therapy block, home programming is provided to allow parents to continue working with their children.

Monthly Therapy

Children and their families attend two monthly therapy sessions, and home programming is provided.

Reassessments

Children may be invited to return for a reassessment to monitor their development. This may be appropriate for children with emerging communication abilities.

Home Programming

Home programming will be a part of all therapy recommended for your child. The type and amount of guidance will change as your child’s needs change.

Transition Planning

With parent consent, PCS will share information and provide recommendations for your child’s ongoing service needs, prior to entering Senior Kindergarten.

Preschool Communication Services continues to develop new programs based on the needs of our clients.