Helping young children develop communication skills
About 1 in 10 children need help in developing their communication skills.
Preschool Speech and Language (PSL) services are for children from birth until a child starts school. Services include speech and language therapy, parent training, and support services.
The PSL service is meant for children with speech disorders, who have trouble producing sounds, and those with language disorders, who may struggle with understanding or expressing ideas through words.
Preschool Speech and Language staff will work with parents to guide them on how to help their children develop their communication skills. Early therapy has many benefits:
- improving a child’s ability to listen, talk, learn, read, and play.
- enhances school readiness,
- boosts self-esteem and confidence, and
- facilitates positive interactions with other children.
Sessions involve a collaborative approach, including parent education workshops, small group sessions, consultations, and home services areas. These sessions aim to engage family members and individuals in the child’s life to ensure consistent support for their development during daily activities.
The Preschool Speech and Language Program is appropriate for you and your child if:
- You live in Waterloo Region or Wellington County
- Your child is 0-4 (eligible until they start school)
- Your child is experiencing speech and language challenges
If you reside in Guelph Wellington:
Referrals come through our partner organizations Here4Kids and Growing Great Generations. Referrals cannot be made directly to KidsAbility.
New referrals can be made by calling Here4KIDS, the central intake line, at 1-844-4KIDS-11 (1-844-454-3711) or faxing at 1-844-454-3739 through Growing Great Generations.
If you reside in Waterloo Region:
Fill out the online referral form, or by contacting our Intake Team at ext. 1214: 519-886-8886 or toll-free at 1-888-372-2259.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dedicated team at KidsAbility is diligently reviewing and prioritizing each client’s file.
The waitlist for services is actively managed, with priority given to children who will be starting school in September.
Your KidsAbility team collaborates closely with service provider therapists to ensure coordinated care for your child.
Children receiving PSL services in Guelph-Wellington can choose between virtual sessions, in-person visits, or a combination of both at KidsAbility’s Guelph and Fergus sites, depending on where your child lives.
Our service locations include: Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge.
Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in facilitating this development by engaging in face-to-face interactions, conversations, reading sessions, and playtime with their children. These interactions contribute significantly to a child’s growth and development.
While waiting for services, we offer access to various resources for parents and caregivers that can help you support your child’s development.
Click here to access our Preschool Speech & Language Resources
Related Pages
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Intake & Referrals
Please contact our Intake team if you require any assistance. We are here to help.