The "Speech-Language Communication Skills/Effects on Social-Emotional Development in Young Children" will provide parents, caregivers and professionals (mental health providers) information regarding the development of communication skills and the significant role they play in supporting social and emotional well-being in young children.  Developmental milestones and red flags will be highlighted as well as reasons to refer for assessment and intervention.

The workshop will begin by outlining the scope of practice that comes under the role of a Speech-Language Pathologist.  In doing so, areas of oral-motor, feeding, speech (e.g., articulation, voice, fluency), language and cognition will be discussed with highlights of normal development and red flags to help identify need for referral.  Handouts will be provided as helpful resources to take back to the office or home.  The presenter will focus on the positive influence as well as the adverse influence that overall communication competence has on the development of social emotional well-being.  Some research will be noted that shows the significant relationship between level of language achieved and how that achievement affects peer relationships, communciation with family, school achievement and avoiding emotional or behavioral disorders.  The workshop will close with discussion on the importance of all professionals working with the child and family to stay connected when monitoring a child's progress whether all are from the same agency or other community agencies.  Family engagement is key in making this happen.

This workshop is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and early childhood professionals, especially mental health providers.  

 

About the Presenter:

Kim A. Williams, M.S., CCC-SLP

Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in speech and audiology from SUNY Cortland in 1981 and a master’s degree in communication disorders/speech-language pathology from Boston University in 1983. She maintains a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech-language pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) since 1984. Kim has 36 years of experience working with young children birth to 9 years of age. She has worked with many children who have had established diagnoses and/or developmental delays leading to areas of need in oral-motor/feeding, articulation and/or language and literacy skills to include receptive, expressive and pragmatic language delays or disorders. Kim has always been mindful of respecting the feelings and thoughts of others both at home and at work. She stays busy with home projects, outside sport activities, socializing with friends and families, and most of all keeping up with her husband and Jack Russel terrier. Being well rounded has always been important to her in keeping herself energized and focused; it makes home and work a pleasure!

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