Helping children learn to read so they can read to learn

Reading is fundamental to every child's success and emotional well-being. over half of children with language or other developmental concerns need intensive support to learn to read and write. Our Language and Literacy Program is designed to provide professional treatment for children with speech, language, learning and developmental disorders that affect their ability to read, write and understand language. The Language & Literacy Program relies on the latest scientific research in designing assessment and treatment programs.

Literacy & Children with Speech, Language, Learning or Developmental Disorders

Literacy is defined in the National Literacy Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-83) as "an individual's ability to read, write and speak in English and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential." Achieving literacy involves much more than simply learning to read. Children with speech, language, learning or developmental disorders are at high risk for literacy failure.

• Up to 75% of children with speech, language, learning or developmental disorders will have difficulty achieving literacy.
• 35% of children with poor literacy drop out before completing high school.
• Of the children who do complete high school, less than two percent attend a four-year college.
• There are profoundly negative effects on vocational and professional prospects and self-esteem.

Fortunately, with the appropriate treatment, these children can achieve functional levels of literacy.

The goal of the Language & Literacy Program is to promote literacy in children with speech, language, learning and developmental disorders. The program is generally appropriate for school-aged children (aged 5 years and older). We offer treatment in the following specific areas:

• Reading (includes decoding and reading fluency)
• Written expression
• Reading comprehension
• Understanding and participating in classroom discourse (e.g. lectures, classroom discussions)
• Expressive and receptive language
• Organization
• Study skills
• Early literacy skills for children aged 3-5

A guiding principle of the Language & Literacy Program is creating family partnerships. Families are highly involved in all aspects of assessment and treatment. We offer parent education, classroom consultation and IEP consultation services. All services are provided by nationally certified, state-licensed speech-language pathologists with master's or doctoral degrees and advanced training in literacy assessment and treatment.

Each family begins their involvement in the Language & Literacy Program with a complete assessment of the child’s language and literacy skills. Then, together with the child and family, a treatment program is designed. Children are generally seen individually for a minimum of two weekly, 50-minute sessions. Clinicians in the Language & Literacy Program maintain frequent contact with classroom and special education teachers and quarterly progress reports are provided. As needed, clinicians will observe the child in the classroom, meet with teachers and participate in IEP meetings. We make every effort to schedule after-school appointment times and offer early evening appointments on some days.

Learn more about Literacy from National Public Radio