Detecting Speech Problems Early

Preschool students at St. Luke Preschool recently had speech and language screenings performed by clinicians from the Ladge Speech and Hearing Center at LIU Post in Greenvale. More than a dozen speech pathology students worked under the supervision of Dr. Joyce Rubinstein and Stephanie Shore-Linker to identify potential problems in speech and/or language and recommend more thorough and detailed assessment for children with results that indicate a need for a re-screening or a complete speech and language evaluation.

Screening is a vital assessment activity in St. Luke Preschool because positive developmental and academic outcomes are associated with early identification of and attention to problems.

“Most children do well in this type of speech and language screening,” explains Regina Farinaccio, the Director of the school. “If a concern in speech or language is noted, it can be addressed quickly and the child will not be impacted in a negative way. The screening also relieves parents who are worried about their child’s articulation or sound substitutions.”  

The screenings are brief and fun for the children, who enjoy following directions and talking to the friendly clinicians.