Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences

Language-Based Preschool

The Indiana University Speech and Hearing Clinic offers a preschool program for children ranging in age from 3 to 5 years old. The program focuses on the development of language skills as a key to learning and social/emotional competence. Since language crosses all areas of development, an integrated approach where cognitive, social-emotional, motor and other learning occurs throughout the day and in the context of meaningful activities. It is designed to meet the needs of children who are not yet kindergarten eligible and whose primary area of need is speech and language. Children who are typical in all areas of development for their age serve as social and behavioral models for children with speech and language needs. In addition, typically developing children, including those learning English as a second language, enhance their own English language skills through this curriculum.

Although language acquisition is a fundamental part of the program and integrated into all aspects of the curriculum, children with speech and language needs receive additional assistance during natural interactions in the classroom setting and with their peers.

We have experienced preschool teachers and certified speech-language pathologists who establish the curriculum and supervise the program. Three graduate clinicians in speech-language pathology are assigned to each of the two groups in order to help stimulate language acquisition for all children and to help establish and implement objectives for speech and language delayed children during the day. A certified speech-language pathologist serves as the clinical supervisor for each of the groups and collaborates with both the classroom teacher and the graduate clinicians.

There are two preschool classes that are in session during the week. There is a Monday/Wednesday program and a Tuesday/Thursday program. Each class runs from 9:00am to 11:30am. The program is in session year-round coinciding with the fall, spring, and summer semesters at Indiana University.

To obtain more information and/or an application, please call the Indiana University Speech and Hearing Clinic and speak with Becky Covey at (812) 855-6251.