The Speech Garden is excited to announce new classes for babies, toddlers and their parents! Perfect for "Late Talkers".

Class Descriptions:

Babbling Babes- 12-24 months
This engaging class will teach language stimulation strategies to parents through the use of music, free play, art, centers and social routines. Speech-language pathologists will teach strategies to incorporate language development into everyday learning. Some basic sign and strategies for implementation will be taught. Parents will receive a written summary of each lesson's stragety and ideas for at-home practice. Strategies for developing communication skills throughout everyday activities will be developed, including tips for meal time, bathing, developing friendships, expanding utterances, time with other caregivers, traveling, and understanding and following simple directions.

Talking Tots- 24-30 months (2-2 1/2 years)
This interactive class uses music, movement and childhood games to teach communication skills. Parents will learn a variety of strategies to expand their child's ever-growing vocabulary and receive written summary of skills to use at home. Strategies for developing communication skills throughout everyday activities will be developed, including tips for meal time, bathing, developing friendships, expanding utterances, time with other caregivers, traveling, and understanding and following simple directions.

Who attends?
These classes are open to all children that fall within the age ranges, including children:

• suspected of being a 'late talker', with or without other concerns
• at-risk for speech or language delays, with or without a current diagnosis
• who may or may not be currently receiving speech therapy
• with or without cognitive, social, or other delays
• children enrolled in the NC Infant-Toddler Program
  

Download a registration form by clicking here.

Details:

Location: Classes meet at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church at Providence and Sharon Amity in Charlotte's Cotswold neighborhood. Once on the church campus, follow the white "Speech Garden" signs to the classrooms. Click here for driving directions.

Class Schedule: All classes meet each Tuesday and Thursday, July 15 through August 7, for a total of eight sessions. Parents may choose to bring a lunch and picnic in the classroom or the playground immediately following class.

Class Size: Class is limited to 7 children to each instructor. At least three children must be registered in order to avoid cancellation of the session. Students may be grouped by age and two classes may run simultaneously. At least one adult must accompany and remain with the child during the entire session.

Payment: Payment is due in advance (see registration form for dates) and is not refunded for missed sessions.

Therapy Note: These classes are not intended to be the sole therapy source for speech-language delays / disorders, but rather a supplement to current therapy services. Each child should continue traditional therapy either through The Speech Garden or other providers. Diagnostic services are not included as part of this class.

Registration: To register for classes, download a registration form. If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Holloway at ellenholloway@speechgarden.com or call 704-609-8255.