Preschool Speech and Language Services Guelph-Wellington
About 1 in 10 children need help in developing their communication skills. Preschool Speech and Language (PSL) Services support children in these early years to develop skills that will help them communicate. KidsAbility has been a provider of PSL services in Waterloo for many years and we are pleased to be able to offer this program to our Guelph-Wellington community effective April 1.
What has changed?
As of April 1, KidsAbility will provide PSL services to children living in Guelph-Wellington. For children living in Dufferin Country, they will now receive PSL services through ErinoakKids. Many of us have previously known this program as “Wee Talk” a collaborative partnership with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH), St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph and Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus.
Why was this change made?
WDGPH advised the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) (the provincial ministry that funds speech and language services in Ontario) that they would no longer be overseeing the provision of Preschool Speech and Language Services. KidsAbility has worked in partnership with Wee Talk in Guelph-Wellington in the past and has provided Preschool Speech and Language Services in Waterloo Region for many years. MCCSS, which funds services at Children’s Treatment Centres across the province, asked KidsAbility to assume responsibility for the Preschool Speech and Language program in Guelph-Wellington moving forward. For children living in Dufferin County, their services were transferred to ErinoakKids.
What does this mean for my child and my family?
KidsAbility has been a provider of PSL services in Waterloo for 25 years and having the same opportunities available across our organization will enhance our service delivery for our children and their families. Families who may be accessing multiple services for their child will now be able to receive their services under one roof.
Is there anything that I need to do because of this change?
Families whose children are currently receiving or waiting for PSL services in Guelph-Wellington do not need to do anything. In coordination with Public Health, Groves, St. Joes and ErinoakKids, a plan is underway to notify families and to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for families who are in service and those who are waiting for service. KidsAbility’s team will be reviewing each client file and connecting with each family once our staff are ready to see their child.
Will my child’s place on the waitlist change?
Families currently waiting for services will maintain their place on the waitlist and children will continue to be seen on a priority basis.
Where will services be provided?
As of April 1, children receiving PSL services in Guelph-Wellington will be seen virtually, in-person or a combination of the two at KidsAbility’s Guelph site (503 Imperial Road North, Unit 7) or Fergus site (160 St. David Street, Unite 102) depending on where they live.
When will my child be seen?
KidsAbility’s team has been reviewing and prioritizing each client file. We do have a large number of clients currently waiting who will be attending school in September and have been prioritized. Your original referral date from WeeTalk will be honoured by KidsAbility. Although we do not know at this time when each child will be seen, we will update families as we can. While you are waiting for services for your child, there are many resources available that you can access on our website.
Will my child’s therapist change?
For many children currently receiving PSL services in Guelph-Wellington through Wee Talk, their therapist will change. Although we know that change can be difficult for a child, we all share a strong commitment to the work that we do and are working closely together for a smooth and seamless transition of this program for the benefit of the children and families we serve.
My child is already a KidsAbility client. What does this mean for me?
Your team at KidsAbility will remain unchanged and will continue to work closely with service provider therapists in order to maintain coordinated care for your child.
How do I refer my child for PSL services in Guelph-Wellington?
KidsAbility is a partner in Growing Great Generations (GGG), a collaborative of service providers for all children and youth (birth to 18 years old). All new referrals for PSL services in Guelph-Wellington are made by calling Here4KIDS, the central intake line at 1-844-4KIDS-11 (1-844-454-3711) or fax 1-844-454-3739 through Growing Great Generations.