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Talk to your preschool or school if you think your child may have a speech or language impairment. They can arrange access to support services for children with additional needs.
Support services at preschool or school
Examples of support services available through preschools or schools are:
- speech pathology services
- psychology and disability coordinators
- the Department for Education's Inclusive Education Support Program funding
- referrals to external providers such as speech pathology, psychology or occupational therapy
- a personalised learning plan to provide additional teaching support
- preschool speech and language programs
- junior primary speech and language classes.
Who these services are for
These services are for children who have been diagnosed with a speech impairment, a language impairment or both.
How to apply
Speak to your preschool or school about a referral.
Information you may need
You may need to have documents to support a referral. For example reports from:
- a private speech pathologist or external speech pathologist who has seen or is seeing your child
- a doctor or paediatrician
- other services your child has accessed, such as community health or hospital-based services.
Preschool speech and language programs
Eight preschools in metropolitan Adelaide specialise in delivering targeted speech and language support. Programs may include:
- individual and small group activities focusing on talking and listening skills
- direct teaching through play
- opportunities to use new communication skills across learning experiences.
Who these programs are for
The programs are available to children who are:
- able to attend the program for at least 3 terms in their eligible preschool year (Aboriginal learners and children and young people in care may start from age 3)
- within or above the average range for non-verbal intelligence
- within normal hearing as shown by a test within the past 12 months
- making slow progress with regular speech pathology support
- diagnosed by a speech pathologist as having a severe speech or language impairment
- not diagnosed with a significant additional disability, syndrome or disorder.
How to apply
A speech pathologist can refer your child to a program.
Placement is prioritised based on the level of need.
Junior primary speech and language classes
Six metropolitan schools offer specialised programs for junior primary children. Programs may include:
- individual, small groups and small class activities focusing on speaking and listening skills
- adjustments to the way the curriculum is taught
- support for using new communication skills across learning areas.
How to apply
A speech pathologist and psychologist from the Department for Education will need to recommend your child for placement in a speech and language class.
Placement is prioritised based on the level of need.
Contacts for preschool programs and junior primary classes
For more information on preschool speech and language programs or junior primary speech and language classes contact your regional office:
- Northern Adelaide area - phone 8314 4000
- Eastern Adelaide area - phone 8366 8800
- Southern Adelaide area - phone 8207 3700
- Western Adelaide area - phone 8416 7333.
