Toddler Enrichment Program in New York
WHO
Typically developing toddlers who do not present with a delay/disorder but demonstrate weakness in speech, language, and/or literacy.
ASSESSMENT
A comprehensive evaluation of language and/or literacy.
TREATMENT
Exercises to improve overall language and literacy development.
Open Lines®’ Toddler Enrichment Program
The Enrichmagicians
A child’s language develops rapidly from the time they are born and though language learning continues through childhood, the depth and rate children develop language is significantly greater through the age of 3 years. It is a time of unparalleled neurological growth that lays the foundation for more complex thinking and speaking skills later in childhood.
When to Consider Speech Therapy for a Toddler
While this is an active and exciting time of development, some children may have stronger comprehension skills or a greater ability to understand language relative to their ability to express it verbally. In these cases, a language delay may not be present; however, the relative weakness in verbal expression, or speaking— compared to a strength in the ability to understand language — may appear to be a delay when it is not. Difficulty speaking when one has a stronger ability to think and understand may result in a child becoming frustrated due to the challenges that result from not being able to fully express themselves. This frustration can then lead to reduced communicative confidence and desire to talk.
Many parents wonder about their child’s speech and language development. It may feel as though your child has a difficult time being understood by unfamiliar people or is saying less than peers or siblings did at their age. If this is the case, your child may benefit from additional support to optimize language learning and strengthen skill sets so their speech, language, and literacy skills can continue to excel and allow them to thrive in whatever context they participate within.
Toddler Language and Literacy Development
Every child’s development is unique. Therefore, our expertly trained speech-language pathologists (SLPs) begin every program with a one-on-one comprehensive and in-depth evaluation of your child’s language skills to better understand your child’s strengths and behaviors. The assessment helps your SLP determine whether your child’s language skills are age-appropriate and examine areas of need. We then work with you to set personally relevant, functional goals for your child. A personal plan of tailored exercises and activities that target identified goals and incorporate a variety of treatment techniques are also developed and used to help your child meet all goals as soon as possible!
Using the highest standards of evidence-based treatment techniques, your SLP will utilize fun, highly motivating, multisensory activities to help your child feel confident speaking, participate more easily in social activities, express his or her opinion, and respond to and tell stories.
Our team recognizes the importance of caregiver education and support to the success of the program. We work closely with you, offering training and counseling at every step of this journey to ensure efficient carryover of learned skills into everyday life.
Each session is designed to encourage children to communicate at their highest level while acquiring new skills and knowledge to prepare them for success at school and in life.
Enriching Speech, Language, and Literacy at Open Lines®
Contact Open Lines® today by phone at 212-430-6800, by email at [email protected], or through our contact form. If you are ready to take the next steps in helping your child become more comfortable speaking confidently in public, request an appointment to discuss your goals and review our service options.