It should be understood that children acquire speech and language skills at their own developmental rate. Many levels of skills can fall within the normal range. For example, some kindergarten aged children pronounce all speech sounds correctly, while other children are still learning to produce some speech sounds consistently through grade two. Kindergarten children are screened for articulation, voice, and fluency to determine if their skills fall within the average range for their age, or if they may need additional testing to measure their abilities. Parents are always a part of the evaluation process.
Development of speech sounds is especially interesting in preschool children. It is very common for preschool children to have multiple articulation errors which reduce their intelligibility. Typically, as preschool children approach kindergarten age, articulation skills will continue to develop without formal intervention. During this period, parents and caregivers are primary models for their children. However, services are available for children beginning at age three, who have gone through the qualification process with the Child Study Team.
If you have questions about your child's speech or language development, please contact me.
My telephone number at Mary S. Shoemaker School is 769-0144 Ext. 3131. If I am unable to come to the phone, you can leave a voicemail message. Please include your name, the student’s name, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached, and I will return your call. You can also reach me by email at:
Links to My Favorite Web Sites
More information about speech and langauge development can be found at the American Speech and Language Association web site. Click below!
The following website is great for learning American Sign Language!
The last website is useful for information about children on the autistic spectrum, including free workshop information!
Questions? Comments?
