Positive Tips for Communicating with Your Child
*Choose a good time: after school, bedtime, when they seem interested in talking. *Sit at their level and get comfortable, so they feel more equal. Maintain good eye contact. *Use recent events to start a conversation. *Ask questions that begin with what or how. *Ask questions that encourage more than one-word answers. *Allow children time to answer in their own way and in their own language. Try not to interrupt your child's thought, and always try praise his or her efforts. *Share your thoughts about things that have meaning to you. Keep it brief! * When talking to them about a task they have completed, describe in detail what you see, not how you feel about what you see. (For ex: "You cleaned your room, put away your clothes and all your games/toys.") * Don't change topics on your child; confusion may stop interaction and interest. * Focus special attention on the qualities you want you children to have, not on their mistakes. Praise the good, lighten up on the negative. Catch them being good - Positive Reinforcement!

Criteria for Receiving Services
Criteria is used to make placements decisions for speech/language services. The criteria consists of teacher input, informal assessment, and formal testing. Students receive a rating which ranges from non-disabling to profoundly involved. Therapy minutes are based on the severity rating scale. The final placement is a team decision which involves the parents.

Therapy
Speech/language therapy may be provided in an individual, group or classroom setting. Goals are set based upon areas of need.