Learning to communicate is one of the key elements of creating and sustaining meaningful relationships. For children with limited or delayed language, it is critical to provide strategies and support designed to help them become successful communicators and independent language learners. Kindering’s Speech-Language Pathologists work with children and their families to facilitate and enhance communication skills that are already in development. After evaluating your child’s current communication skills through a formal assessment, clinical observation, and parent report, your therapist will develop a comprehensive therapy plan and provide direct support services that are based in play and parent-coaching strategies. The focus of therapy is on total communication, which includes being able to understand and use language. Therapists may also use non-verbal strategies including signing, picture exchange, and electronic devices to support overall communication development.

Early Support Speech and Language Therapy services (ages birth-three) are provided in a variety of individual or group settings, including:

• Home visits
• In-clinic appointments
• Childcare
• Kindering’s Toddler Preschool Stepping Stones Program
• Around the community (e.g., park, mall, etc.)

Speech-Language Pathologists at Kindering are licensed by Washington’s Department of Health and may also be nationally accredited by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).

For more information about Early Support Speech and Language Therapy and to schedule a comprehensive developmental assessment, please call Kindering’s intake line at (425) 653-4300.