As a part of a complete communication evaluation, you are urged to have your child’s hearing tested at least once each school year, or more often if chronic ear problems occur. Adequate hearing is critical for speech and language development. The speech and language pathologists on the Kindering Center staff can provide you with a list of audiologists in the area.

During play, children are offered opportunities to interact with people and objects in the environment. Play provides learning experiences in interacting and imitating, and later in symbolizing objects, events and experiences. All young children learn language while solving cognitive and social problems.

Communication intervention is provided for children through a variety of delivery models, including consultation with parents, consultation with other staff members, class room communication intervention, small groups, and/or individual therapy.

One frequent communication method which you will observe in use at Kindering Center is sign language. Not only has sign language been an effective communication tool for hearing impaired individuals, it has also been effective with children who, for a variety of reasons, have delayed communication development. Research indicates that signing promotes interaction between children and others in their environment, reduces their frustration in not being able to communicate, and increases vocalizations which will later lead to the use of spoken language.

Another communication method used is the Picture Exchange Communication System. This therapy approach uses pictures, giving the child an opportunity to take responsibility for his or her communication. The visual symbols provide added support for children who have difficulty generating verbal skills.