May 5, 2017

Speech Kidz – Summer Enrichment Program

General Health

Speech TherapyI’m very excited to announce that Speech Kidz – our Speech & Language Summer Enrichment Program – is returning for this summer!

Language Disorders in Children

Most infants or toddler can understand what you’re saying well before they can clearly talk. As they mature and their communication skills develop, most children learn how to put their feelings into words. But a child with a language disorder may have trouble understanding words that they hear and read. This is called receptive language disorder. They may have trouble speaking with others and expressing thoughts and feelings. This is called expressive language disorder. A child will often have both disorders at the same time.

A language disorder can be frustrating, not only for parents and teachers, but also for the child. Without diagnosis and treatment, children with a receptive-expressive LANGUAGE disorder may experience poor performance in school. They may also misbehave because of their frustration over not being able to communicate. But language disorders are a common problem in children, and can be treated.

Speech Kidz

Speech Kidz is a language, speech, and social skills group that will meet several times a week for 3 weeks. Sessions are 90 minutes long, and schedules will be set up based on enrollment. The group is led by UW-Whitewater speech-language pathology graduate students, and supervised by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist at the Fort Healthcare Therapy & Sport Center, 1504 Madison Avenue in Fort Atkinson.

Each week will feature a variety of activities connected by a theme. The content is designed to be fun while building vocabulary concepts and providing more opportunities for your child to talk with peers. The classes will revolve around a consistent routine, including language strategies, art sensory exploration, movement, and songs. The children will work on speech and language skills, as well as cooperative play, listening, and team work.

Registration

If you are interested in having your child, age 3-9, participate in the Speech Kidz group, you may register online at FortHealthCare.com/Speech-Kidz and will also need to download the required student health emergency form to fill out. The program costs is $50 per child. After you register, we will call to schedule a screening to help determine goals for your child and what session schedule best fits your child’s needs. It’s important to us that we understand your child’s specific needs so we can make this program the best it can be for your child. Individual speech therapy sessions are also available for those who qualify.

Questions may be emailed to abigail.krueger@forthc.com or call 920-568-5292.

We look forward to working with your child!