Speech Therapy

What does a Speech & Language Therapist do?  Speech-Language Pathologists, also known as SLPs or speech therapists, help children develop communication skills. The SLP is interestied in a child’s understanding of language, spoken language, speech skills (articulation, voice, fluency), eating skills (chewing, sucking, swallowing), hearing, gestures and body language. SLPs explore strategies to help children communication more effectively and to develop the best language learning environment. If a child is slow to talk, the SLP may explore other ways for a child to communicate, such as gestures/signs, pictures or voice output communication aids.

How do I register for this program?  Speech- Language referrals are made through the Simon Fraser Health Unit in Port Moody at 604.949.7200.  To access this service please call Fraser Health or Early Intervention Services program at SHARE at 604.540.9161 or download our service request form here and follow the directions on the bottom for returning it to us.

How does this program work?  This service is available to families with preschool-aged children who have a communication difficulty. Services are provided at SHARE offices and community sites such as family homes, childcare centres, and preschools. Waits for service can range from 3-12 months depending on the time of year of referral. Fraser Health and SHARE Family and Community Services Society provide this service. Parents or guardians can refer their child for services. Your child’s doctor or other community professional can also refer a child for speech language services. 

The program’s block system of service delivery means:

• Families will be receiving direct speech-language service for three months.  Services within the direct block will be determined by your Speech-Language Pathologist and your child’s needs;
• At the end of three months we will temporarily end direct service so that families and their child can practice the new strategies and recommendations provided by the Speech-Language Pathologist. This is referred to as the Family Practice Period;
• During a family’s Family Practice Period, we will be working directly with another group of families. These children and their families would receive their three-month “block’ of direct speech-language service;
• At the end of that period we would return to work with the first group of families for another three months of direct speech-language service;
• After each three-month Family Practice Period, we would renew contact again until each child no longer needs Speech-Language support or moves on to the school system.