Q: When do the groups run?
A: Groups run on Aug. 7-18, 2023 for 10 days (Monday-Friday). Outings take place every Tuesday and Thursday. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will be in-office sessions.
Q: Who runs the groups?
A: Leading groups in our Westfield location will be Melissa Silva, MS, CCC-SLP.
Leading groups in our Martinsville location will be Marysia Garcia, MS, CCC-SLP.
Leading groups in our Fort Lee location will be Shanisa Hendricks, MS, CF-SLP.
Q: What does the curriculum look like?
A: Speech & Hearing Associates created the curriculum using a variety of programs that focus on social language skills and pragmatics. The topics of focus include teamwork, making and keeping friends, conflict resolution, recognizing and expressing feelings, taking responsibility, making decisions, and building self-esteem. Not all groups focus on the same topic. For each session, parents vote between two topics that their child’s group focuses on during that session. The speech-language pathologist (SLP) then takes the category that receives the majority vote and uses that as the topic for the day. The other topic not chosen will be “tossed out,” meaning that it will not be an option again – even on another day. At the end of every session, parents receive an email with information from the therapist about that day’s session and carryover activities to do at home.
Q: What are the outings like?
A: The outings occur at places such as bowling alleys, outdoor parks, bounce gymnasiums, etc. Specific locations will be determined. Costs associated with outings are included in the activities fee. Parents must be present for the entirety of all outings. Siblings are allowed to join on our outings, but parents are responsible for any sibling costs associated with the outing. On outing days, groups meet on time at the outing location, which are provided in advance.
Q: Can parents drop their child off and come back to pick them up?
A: No. For both in-office and out-of-office days, parents must be present for the entirety of all sessions.
Q: Can parents sit in on sessions?
A: No. Parents cannot sit in on sessions in the office due to HIPAA (privacy) laws. However, the program includes an individual child/parent 30-minute individual session with the SLP after the program’s final group session to discuss progress and experience.
Q: How long are the sessions?
A: In-office sessions are 45 minutes. Outings are also for 45 minutes.
Q: How are children placed into groups?
A: Children are placed into groups by the SLP after an initial evaluation based on a variety of factors including age and skill level. This initial evaluation is billed to your insurance as an evaluation.
Q: Which SHA location is this program taking place in?
A: Westfield, Martinsville and Fort Lee are potential locations for summer groups. Group availability depends on the number of applicants and appropriateness for the program.