Speech Evaluation

Call Options & Advocacy in Crystal Lake. They do these types of evaluations and can direct you to whatever services she may need. You can reach them at ###-###-####. They actually serve ages birth to three, but may be willing to do an assessment for you. If not, they can definitely direct you to who else can.

My oldest son (now 9.5) had some speech and OT issues and I went through the state when he was 2 and then onto the school system when he was 3. Now that your daughter is 3 you must go through the school system for free assistance. Call the Administration Office of D158.

There is a woman named Jennifer Korn who I believe works with D158. My son went to her "school" prior to being 3. I saw her recently at an elementary school in Woodstock and she told me she now works for the Huntley School District (I think that is D158 also). I think she is fabulous and was very good at working with my son and me. My son still remembers the school and where it was in Crystal Lake.

Just keep an open mind and get as much input from as many people as you feel necessary. She is your child and you know her best!

Hi N.. My son is nearly 2 and had quite a speech delay due to constant ear infections and fluid in both ears. Our pediatrician suggested we call Options & Advocacy of McHenry County - he first started when he was 16 months and is now 22 months. I first thought it was kind of young to start him for speech, however the receptive language was not even there. They've been great - good luck and hope you find a solution that works best for your family. Ours has been with the Options & Advocacy.

ask your ped for a script for speech eval- I highly recommend pediatric place for OT or PT. If you need a pediatrician I highly recommend Dr. Kaufman- ###-###-####. He has an office off of Congress Parkway in Crystal Lake.Welcome to the area!

I have been through this. Once your child turns three years old, the school district is the place to start. I am not familiar with your school district so I don't know where to send you. I would start with your school district web site and call the district administrators' office or special services director. Let them know your three year may need early intervention for speech and would like to have her evaluated. Be prepared to explain specifics. The more you tell, the more willing they'll be to say "yes," she definitely needs an evaluation.

My son received services from the same speech therapist from the time he was three until he was in kindergarten.

try eric sloth. ###-###-####. My friend is a developmental therapist & said he is good. Also try the preschool eval through the school. They have free programs.

Hi N.,

I highly recommend speech therapy. My daughter didn't start until she was 2 1/2 as I had no clue about any of the services through the school. Where in LITH are you? You may be in the CL school district. Whichever you are in, call one of the schools or the district themselves and they can set something up. More than a few moms in my moms group have gone through this. My friends daughter just started (she is also in LITH) but I can't remember what school it is at. She goes for an hour each week. Just give the school a call and let them know you would like to have your daughter evaluated and they will set up a time to come in. If I get any more info, I can send it to you. If you have any questions of someone who has gone through this, feel free to email me at ____@____.com luck
C.

Yes, exactly what Melissa T has said. You should call your school district office and ask for the number for the school to call to get a preschool evaluation done. I had my son do it, but through Crystal Lake. I know numerous people who have put their kids through the Huntley at risk preschool program and it is great. My son went through CL and it was the best preschool he could have ever attended. Get her into a program now so she is all caught up by kindergarten. You can go the private route as well, it's your choice. To do that get a script from your pediatrician and they will refer you and you can get an evaluation done there. It's more pricey than the public school system, but if you have insurance or the money it's a different alternative route.

District 158 has a preschool program for kids with mild developmental issues (ie speach, etc.). It is at the Martin Elementary School off of Reed Road. Your child can spend two years there in preschool preparing for Kindergarten -- they work wonders!

N.,
I don't have much experience with speech therapy, but I did work in the Registration office for District 158. The district has a preschool program for kids that may be at-risk of having speech and developmental programs. I would recommend giving them a call and see about getting evaluated. I know the evaluation is free, and if you are accepted into the program, there is a very nominal fee for the program. I think it is about $112 for the entire school year. Here is the website for more info: http://www.district158.org/preschool/index.html

I hope this helps.

M.