PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Salus University, in Elkins Park, has been awarded a grant to help children improve their language skills. The university is offering a course for parents to help their young children get the speech and language education needed to be ready for school.
Robert Serianni, chair and speech-language pathology program director, says it's for Philadelphia-area families and caregivers of kids from birth to 30 months old.
Parents will learn how to turn everyday life situations into teaching moments. Serianni gave examples.
"When you sit down for a snack, the snack isn't just offered to the child. The child should actually ask for the snack," he said. "Or, if they finish their juice cup, they should maybe ask for more, instead of more just being put into the cup. So, really it's just things parents are probably doing in their everyday lives — and enhancing it so that their children don't develop delays in their communication."
Reading will also be encouraged. Program books will be provided. It lasts for 10 weeks, and parents are encouraged to attend all sessions, which are currently being held virtually. Sign up by emailing slinstitute@salus.edu or by calling 215-780-3150.