Speech-Language Program

Speech and Language Services are offered at our centre, at the DCS Early Learning Program/Preschool, or at a community daycare or preschool. Home therapy sessions are available to children from birth to school entry age.  Sessions with the Speech-Language Pathologist are approximately one hour long, and are scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the child's needs.
individual sessions
The DCS Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are experts at helping families maximize language and communication opportunities in the home.  Through discussions with the family, the SLPs will design and implement language lessons for the unique needs of the individual child and family.  Through the week, these lessons, which are flexible and applicable to day-to-day situations and settings, can be reviewed and practiced. The SLP will provide communication tools, support and reinforcement that is mindful of the rapid and ever-changing needs of the growing child, and the family.
audiology support
If requested by the family, the SLPs will attend audiology appointments with the family.  When a cochlear implant is being considered for a child, the SLPs can accompany the family to the preliminary meetings with the cochlear implant team, and help with explanations and provide support. SLPs can and will attend mapping sessions post-implantation, and continue to monitor speech and language progress.
community support
If the family places the child in a community daycare or preschool, the SLPs can provide speech-language support to the child in this setting.  As well, the SLPs are happy to consult with the school staff to ensure that optimal conditions exist for the child for speech and language learning.
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Our SLPs also provide Outreach speech-language support and consultation for families living outside the lower mainland. If the family places the child in a community daycare or preschool, the SLPs can provide speech-language support to the child in this setting.  As well, the SLPs are happy to consult with the school staff to ensure that optimal conditions exist for the child for speech and language learning.


bridgeLAB
Together with our Early Childhood Educators, our SLP's run bridge LAB every day from 12-2 immediately following our Early Learning Program.  This program offers focused intervention time to build knowledge and skill of English language, by connecting with your child’s foundation in American Sign Language.  Through lessons, dance, music, story and active play, the level of English access each student is able to develop will be unique to each child. ​
dcs early learning program (preschool)
The SLPs are a regular fixture at the DCS preschool, providing one-to-one and group therapy to the students.  As well, they collaborate with the Early Childhood Educators on curriculum development to ensure that speech and language goals are addressed all year. ​

private Speech & Language Therapy
Deaf Children's Society of BC is now offering private Speech & Language Therapy services for ALL children (regardless of hearing level) birth to age eighteen.  Please click on the posters below for further information.  If you are interested in setting up free 30 minute initial consultation, please contact ischum@deafchildren.bc.ca or call the office at 604.525.6056