We are Niagara’s Preschool Speech, Language and Emergent Literacy System. We provide intervention, education and promote healthy speech, language and literacy development in the children of Niagara. Our services are delivered by Speech-Language Pathologists, Communication Disorders Assistants and Emergent Literacy Specialists. Assessment and intervention is provided by our staff for children from birth to age 5. We strive to deliver our services to all preschool children who reside in Niagara using our designated sites in St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Port Colborne and Grimsby. We work with parents and community service providers to coordinate care for the children we serve and provide a full range of interventions from consultation to one-on-one therapy and group intervention programs depending on the age and needs of the child.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

An SLP is qualified to assess and to treat delays and disorders of speech, language, voice and fluency. SLPs in Ontario hold a university degree (most often a Masters degree) and are registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario.

Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA)

A CDA may assist a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) by carrying out therapy programs supervised by the SLP who has assessed the child. CDAs may also facilitate screening programs such as the Infant Hearing Screening. A college degree from a Communicative Disorders Assistant Program is required.

Literacy Specialist

Literacy Specialists provide training and resources to parents and caregivers, and to members of organizations that provide programs for the early years of development from ages 1 to 6.