What service is provided?

The service is for:

· Children with a primary speech &/or language disorder* enrolled in 4 year old kinder programs in Barwon Health Community Health Centre catchments.

· Children 0-5 years (prior to attending school) who stutter.

· Adults who have speech/language/communication difficulties not related to surgery or medical and neurological disorders.

The service to children focuses on preparation for school-entry. The speech pathologist works closely with the kindergarten teacher to identify and screen the kinder child’s speech & language skills. Therapy is provided either directly with the child, as part of the kinder program or in combination.

*A primary speech &/or language disorder excludes children with communication problems secondary to an overall developmental delay. These children and those requiring additional services other than speech pathology will be eligible for services such as, Specialist Children’s Services, Gateways Support Services and SCOPE.