When setting up Ben’s speech therapy for the fall they asked if I was interested in a group program. We planned for 30 minutes of individual speech therapy 2x a week but we could do that and then immediately afterward and with the same therapist he would attend a one hour speech based preschool program. They would have themes, story books, pre-literacy skills, games, etc. (I explained he’s been reading for a couple years and they said they would absolutely adjust and adapt that segment so that it challenged Ben and focuses on reading skills & articulation instead.) I worried it was all younger children than him but three will be kindergarden age but waiting another year so it is his peer age group. Five kids total and each will have a speech therapist with them.

I think this will be wonderful! Christopher had a year of one day a week in home preschool that his best friend’s mom ran and that was when we had Bennett newly home from the hospital and were in lockdown for RSV. It gave him some structured social and academic time with friends when we couldn’t get out of the house much. Moira had a year of one day a week in school preschool that was run by two speech therapists and was focused on her articulation skills but with the added element of social development of her speech – and she loved it. I thought Bennett would enjoy and benefit from something similar but had no clue how we could possibly manage that and then this fell into our laps!

My concern was Kit’s work schedule (but the time slot is manageable and he says we can do it) and the price. We’re paying for two individual therapy sessions a week but those PLUS an additional two hours a week of group therapy? Ouch, but much to my surprise and delight the group fee includes the individual fee and it’s less – LESS!!!! – than the individual therapy is alone! It’s speech based preschool 2x a week with his own designated therapist for the same price as individual therapy?? And 1.5 hours each day which I think is just about right for his attention span (since this is a more intensive, therapy focused program vs. preschool with free playtime and such.) Could it be more perfect??

I feel really, really grateful. I think this will be wonderful for Bennett