Frequently Asked Questions

What can my child expect at a speech screening?

A speech and language screening lasts approximately 10 minutes and will be conducted at school. During this short meeting the areas of articulation, expressive and receptive language, social communication and fluency are assessed using either the Preschool Language Scales Screening Form or the CELF Preschool - 3 Screening Test.  Following the screening, you will receive a brief phone consult with the speech therapist to discuss the child’s speech and language development. The therapist will be able to confirm that all speech and language progress is age appropriate, or may recommend a more robust speech and language evaluation.

What can my child expect at a speech and language evaluation?

You will be emailed a detailed case history and intake form to fill out prior to the evaluation.  An evaluation typically lasts 1 to 2 hours (depending on the areas being assessed), and similar to the screening, will be completed at school. During the evaluation the speech therapist will conduct a much more in depth assessment of the child’s speech and language progress through standardized testing, skills observation, case history and parent and teacher feedback. Following the evaluation, a parent consult will be scheduled to go over results and discuss therapy options if recommended. The full written evaluation report will be reviewed at this time and you will receive an electronic copy of the report as well. Referrals to other professionals, including an Audiologist, ENT, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Orthodontist or Neurologist etc. may be made if the evaluation shows the child is having difficulties in areas that fall outside the speech therapist’s scope of practice.

How long and how frequent are therapy visits?

Therapy sessions are conducted at school and are 30 minutes per session. Depending on the goals of your child’s therapy plan, therapy sessions may be recommended 1, 2, or 3 times per week. Before therapy begins, the scope, duration and goals for your child will be discussed. Should you choose Vine & Branch for therapy, teachers will also be provided details of your child’s therapy plan as well as specific strategies that can help your child’s speech and language progress in the classroom. At the time of the first therapy session, you will receive a folder, which will be sent home after each therapy session. The contents of this folder will help facilitate communication and education, as well as contain “carryover” techniques that you can implement at home. The speech therapist and teachers will communicate and collaborate with you frequently to ensure your child’s progress.

Does Vine & Branch accept insurance?

Vine & Branch does not accept insurance at this time.  However, rates are set to be comparable to most insurance companies’ co-pay fees.  In addition, flexible spending accounts are an acceptable form of payment in most cases.