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Kelly Vess, Speech-Language Pathologist

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The Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP219. The 3 Questions Every SLP Must Ask Before Summer BreakEnd-of-Year Reflect & Recap: The 3 Questions Every SLP Needs to Ask Right NowWhether you're a seasoned SLP or fresh out of grad school, the most powerful professional development you'll do this summer won't come from a CEU course. It's this.In this episode, Kelly walks you through her end-of-year Google Doc ritual: three simple but mighty questions that help you close out the school year with intention and walk into fall with clarity and confidence.In this episode, you'll learn:🔥 What Was FIRE? Identify what wor...
2026-06-0313 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP219. The 3 Questions Every SLP Must Ask Before Summer BreakEnd-of-Year Reflect & Recap: The 3 Questions Every SLP Needs to Ask Right Now Whether you're a seasoned SLP or fresh out of grad school, the most powerful professional development you'll do this summer won't come from a CEU course. It's this. In this episode, Kelly walks you through her end-of-year Google Doc ritual: three simple but mighty questions that help you close out the school year with intention and walk into fall with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: 🔥 What Was FIRE? Identify what worked in your therapy roo...
2026-06-0313 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP213. Stop Waiting: Why You Should Treat a Frontal Lisp in Preschool (And How to Do It Right)When it comes to making real, measurable change in therapy, we have to stop thinking small. In this episode, we are digging into what actually moves the needle for our preschoolers and early learners, and it is not isolated drill, disconnected targets, or hoping repetition alone will generalize. The research is clear. When we aim higher with more complex targets, we create system-wide change across speech, language, and literacy. We are talking about why those tough targets like three-element blends are worth your time, how continuous motor planning changes everything, and what it really looks...
2026-04-2317 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP213. Stop Waiting: Why You Should Treat a Frontal Lisp in Preschool (And How to Do It Right)Let’s say the quiet part out loud.If a preschooler is lisping, and we choose to wait, we are not being cautious. We are building the wrong motor plan.In this episode, I am pushing back on the idea that a frontal lisp is something to “monitor” until school age. Because while we are waiting, that child is producing "TH" for "S" hundreds of times a day, every day, wiring in a pattern that becomes significantly harder to change later. This is not harmless. This is not neutral. And it is not somethi...
2026-04-2317 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP211. The Social Cost of Speech Sound Disorders at Age 4, 5, and 6: What Every Preschool SLP Needs to KnowIf you work with four, five, or six-year-olds with speech sound disorders, this episode was made for you and this research will change how you document, advocate, and make eligibility decisions for your students. In this episode, we break down a brand-new 2026 open-access study that every school-based SLP, early childhood SLP, and preschool speech-language pathologist needs to save, cite, and have ready to go. Whether you're navigating a negative 2.0 standard deviation eligibility criteria, writing IEP goals for preschoolers with speech sound disorders, or advocating for a child who doesn't yet "qualify" on paper, this research is your clinical ammunition...
2026-03-2612 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP211. The Social Cost of Speech Sound Disorders at Age 4, 5, and 6: What Every Preschool SLP Needs to KnowIf you work with four, five, or six-year-olds with speech sound disorders, this episode was made for you — and this research will change how you document, advocate, and make eligibility decisions for your students.In this episode, we break down a brand-new 2026 open-access study that every school-based SLP, early childhood SLP, and preschool speech-language pathologist needs to save, cite, and have ready to go. Whether you're navigating a negative 2.0 standard deviation eligibility criteria, writing IEP goals for preschoolers with speech sound disorders, or advocating for a child who doesn't yet "qualify" on paper, this research is your cl...
2026-03-2512 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP210. The Hidden Visual Processing Problem Affecting Language in AutismIf you work with children with autism, developmental delays, or complex communication needs, this episode is a must-listen. Today, we’re talking about cerebral visual impairment, or CVI, and why it may be one of the most overlooked reasons children struggle with communication, attention, social interaction, AAC use, and motor-based learning. This episode is not about whether a child can see an item on an eye chart. It is about how the brain processes visual information and how that affects language, participation, and learning. In this episode, I share 10 practical strategies from the literature that speech-language pathologists and speech-language pa...
2026-03-1936 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP210. The Hidden Visual Processing Problem Affecting Language in AutismIf you work with children with autism, developmental delays, or complex communication needs, this episode is a must-listen.Today, we’re talking about cerebral visual impairment, or CVI, and why it may be one of the most overlooked reasons children struggle with communication, attention, social interaction, AAC use, and motor-based learning.This episode is not about whether a child can see an item on an eye chart. It is about how the brain processes visual information and how that affects language, participation, and learning.In this episode, I share 10 practical strategies from the li...
2026-03-1936 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP208. The 5-Step Therapy Routine That Works for Every Child on Your CaseloadFeeling overwhelmed by a caseload that includes autism, childhood apraxia of speech, developmental language disorder, articulation, fluency, and AAC users… all back-to-back? You are not alone. Many speech-language pathologists walk into therapy sessions with a stack of different activities for every child. One game for articulation. Another for language. Another for fluency. Another for AAC. Before long, therapy starts to feel like running a fast-food counter. But what if you could run one powerful therapy routine that works for every child on your caseload? In this episode of The Preschool SLP Podcast, Kelly Vess shares the five-step therapy routine sh...
2026-03-0533 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP208. The 5-Step Therapy Routine That Works for Every Child on Your CaseloadFeeling overwhelmed by a caseload that includes autism, childhood apraxia of speech, developmental language disorder, articulation, fluency, and AAC users… all back-to-back?You are not alone.Many speech-language pathologists walk into therapy sessions with a stack of different activities for every child. One game for articulation. Another for language. Another for fluency. Another for AAC.Before long, therapy starts to feel like running a fast-food counter.Quick activities. Separate goals. Limited impact.But what if you could run one powerful therapy routine that works for every child on your ca...
2026-03-0533 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLPDTTC Isn’t Just for Apraxia: A Scaffolding Blueprint for Speech, Language, Literacy, Fluency, and AACWhat do Gustav Eiffel and dynamic, tactile, temporal cueing have in common?Scaffolding. Vision. And the courage to aim higher than anyone else.In this episode, I break down why Dynamic, Tactile, Temporal Cueing (DTTC) is not just for childhood apraxia of speech. It is a practical, high-impact framework that can upgrade how you treat:• Speech sound disorders • Language delays • Literacy skills • Fluency • AAC users • Autism and complex communication needsIf you want maximal gains in minimal time, this episode is your blueprint.After standing beneath...
2026-02-2637 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP207. DTTC Isn’t Just for Apraxia: A Scaffolding Blueprint for Speech, Language, Literacy, Fluency, and AACWhat do Gustav Eiffel and dynamic, tactile, temporal cueing have in common? Scaffolding, vision, and the courage to aim higher than anyone else. In this episode, I break down why Dynamic, Tactile, Temporal Cueing (DTTC) is not just for childhood apraxia of speech. It is a practical, high-impact framework that can upgrade how you treat: • Speech sound disorders • Language delays • Literacy skills • Fluency • AAC users • Autism and complex communication needs If you want maximal gains in minimal time, this episode is your bluepri...
2026-02-2637 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLPSix Self-Care Swaps for Peak Performance in TherapyIf you work with children who have complex communication needs, you already know this truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup.In this episode, I share six realistic self-care swaps I use from morning to night to support energy, focus, and emotional regulation in the work we do. These are not trends. They are practical, research-informed adjustments that help me show up fully present in therapy sessions, even during long, demanding days.As winter approaches and energy dips, comfort-food cravings rise. Instead of relying on willpower, I build better systems. In this episode, I...
2025-12-1814 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLPSix Self-Care Swaps for Peak Performance in TherapyIf you work with children who have complex communication needs, you already know this truth: You cannot pour from an empty cup. In this episode, I share six realistic self-care swaps I use from morning to night to support energy, focus, and emotional regulation in the work we do. These are not trends. They are practical, research-informed adjustments that help me show up fully present in therapy sessions, even during long, demanding days. As winter approaches and energy dips, comfort-food cravings rise. Instead of relying on willpower, I build better systems. In this episode, I walk you through: • A ca...
2025-12-1714 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP200. My Five Favorite Literacy Habits That Boost Early LanguageIf you love weaving books into speech and language therapy, this episode is absolutely your lane. In this conversation, Kelly breaks down a 2025 scoping review on early language development and reading aloud, then translates it into five practical literacy “hacks” you can use with preschool and early elementary students starting tomorrow. She pulls zero punches about the study design: you’ll hear exactly what a scoping review is (and isn’t), why it doesn’t carry the same weight as a systematic review or meta-analysis, and how to use it wisely as an “idea generator” rather than gospel. From there, she lay...
2025-12-0425 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP200. My Five Favorite Literacy Habits That Boost Early LanguageIf you love weaving books into speech and language therapy, this episode is absolutely your lane.In this conversation, Kelly breaks down a 2025 scoping review on early language development and reading aloud, then translates it into five practical literacy “hacks” you can use with preschool and early elementary students starting tomorrow.She pulls zero punches about the study design: you’ll hear exactly what a scoping review is (and isn’t), why it doesn’t carry the same weight as a systematic review or meta-analysis, and how to use it wisely as an “ide...
2025-12-0425 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP198. Put PRIDE to Work to Improve Behavior: Evidence-Based PRIDE Skills from PCIT That Really WorkIf you serve young children with behavior challenges, this episode delivers a framework you can put to work immediately. Today, we break down the PRIDE skills: five evidence-based behavior strategies drawn from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT). These methods have more than 50 years of empirical support and consistently improve behavior, engagement, emotional regulation, and communication across diverse populations. You’ll learn how to use objective praise, reflection, imitation, description, and genuine enjoyment to build connection—not compliance. This child-directed interaction approach has been shown to make meaningful gains for children with autism, ADHD, selective mutism, deve...
2025-11-1320 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP198. Put PRIDE to Work to Improve Behavior: Evidence-Based PRIDE Skills from PCIT That Really Work If you serve young children with behavior challenges, this episode delivers a framework you can put to work immediately. Today, we break down the PRIDE skills: five evidence-based behavior strategies drawn from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT). These methods have more than 50 years of empirical support and consistently improve behavior, engagement, emotional regulation, and communication across diverse populations.You’ll learn how to use objective praise, reflection, imitation, description, and genuine enjoyment to build connection—not compliance. This child-directed interaction approach has been shown to make meaningful gains for children with autism, ADHD, selec...
2025-11-1320 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP196. 10 Reasons to Use the ‘Look at’ Sentence Strip to Spark Speech in AutismIf you work with children with autism who are minimally speaking, this episode is a must-listen. We’re breaking down why the “Look at” sentence strip has been a total game-changer in my therapy room—and why it consistently helps children begin to speak, connect, and comment on the world around them. After 25 years of practice, I can tell you this tool does more than encourage speech—it builds neurological pathways for speech to flow. You’ll learn: ✅ The neuroscience behind why repetition and motor consistency matter ✅ How DTTC and “look at” work hand-in-hand to build automaticity
2025-10-3031 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP196. 10 Reasons to Use the ‘Look at’ Sentence Strip to Spark Speech in AutismIf you work with children with autism who are minimally speaking, this episode is a must-listen. We’re breaking down why the “Look at” sentence strip has been a total game-changer in my therapy room—and why it consistently helps children begin to speak, connect, and comment on the world around them.After 25 years of practice, I can tell you this tool does more than encourage speech—it builds neurological pathways for speech to flow. You’ll learn: ✅ The neuroscience behind why repetition and motor consistency matter ✅ How DTTC and “look at” work hand-in-hand to build automaticity
2025-10-3031 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP194. 5 Myths About High-Tech AAC—Debunked by ResearchIf you work with minimally speaking children or children with autism, this episode is a must-listen. Speech-language pathologist Kelly Vess takes on the five biggest myths about high-tech AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)—and backs every point with current peer-reviewed research. Learn why high-tech AAC devices: ✅ Do not require self-regulation or joint attention first ✅ Are not too complex for preschoolers ✅ Increase social interaction rather than limit it ✅ Should not be constantly customized ✅ Must be provided—and supported—by public schools under IDEA and ADA Kelly breaks down each misconception, explains how to blend high-tech and low-tech AAC for multimodal communication, a...
2025-10-1621 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP194. 5 Myths About High-Tech AAC—Debunked by ResearchIf you work with minimally speaking children or children with autism, this episode is a must-listen. Speech-language pathologist Kelly Vess takes on the five biggest myths about high-tech AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)—and backs every point with current peer-reviewed research.Learn why high-tech AAC devices: ✅ Do not require self-regulation or joint attention first ✅ Are not too complex for preschoolers ✅ Increase social interaction rather than limit it ✅ Should not be constantly customized ✅ Must be provided—and supported—by public schools under IDEA and ADAKelly breaks down each misconception, explains how to blend high...
2025-10-1621 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP147. Why Isn't 'Mama' the 1st Word for Many with Autism?Why isn't 'Mama' a first word for many children with Autism, yet it is for their neurotypical peers? There are four underlying physiological causes for this difference. Let's dive in to explore these four reasons why 'Mama' is not just naturally developing and what we need to do differently to encourage the development of this pivotally important word. Ready to work more effectively with children with autism by treating the whole child with done-for-you, ready-to-use activities delivered weekly in your inbox? Don't delay and learn about the SIS Membership at https://www.kellyvess.com/sisLooking forward...
2025-08-1616 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP135. Gestalt Language Processing? Do THIS to Improve OutcomesThis week, Kelly shares a powerful, research-driven strategy that she developed—almost by accident—that has become a game-changer in her therapy room and for countless SIS members.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why traditional “plus one” language modeling often isn’t enough—and how to break free from the chisel-and-hammer approach.The story behind how a speech sound disorder bootcamp accidentally became the birthplace of an effective language intervention for children with autism.How using a repetitive, multisensory paragraph-based strategy can lead to spontaneous, complex language—even in non-speaking childr...
2025-08-0524 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP135. Gestalt Language Processing? Do THIS to Improve OutcomesThis week, Kelly shares a powerful, research-driven strategy that she developed—almost by accident—that has become a game-changer in her therapy room and for countless SIS members. 🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why traditional “plus one” language modeling often isn’t enough—and how to break free from the chisel-and-hammer approach. The story behind how a speech sound disorder bootcamp accidentally became the birthplace of an effective language intervention for children with autism. How using a repetitive, multisensory paragraph-based strategy can lead to spontaneous, complex language—even in non-speaking children. The dangers of over-praising or applying pressure—and how loss aversion...
2025-08-0524 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP147. Why 'Mama' Isn't a First Word for Many with Autism?Why isn't 'Mama' a first word for many children with Autism, yet it is for their neurotypical peers? There are four underlying physiological causes for this difference. Let's dive in to explore these four reasons why 'Mama' is not just naturally developing and what we need to do differently to encourage the development of this pivotally important word. Ready to work more effectively with children with autism by treating the whole child with done-for-you, ready-to-use activities delivered weekly in your inbox? Don't delay and learn about the SIS Membership with this free 30-minute, 3-intervention secret workshop. Looking forward to...
2024-10-3118 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLPUntitled EpisodeWhy isn't 'Mama' a first word for many children with Autism, yet it is for their neurotypical peers? There are four underlying physiological causes for this difference? Let's dive in to explore these four reasons why 'Mama' is not just naturally developing and what we need to do differently to encourage the development of this pivotally important word. Ready to work more effectively with children with autism by treating the whole child with done-for-you, ready-to-use activities delivered weekly in your inbox? Don't delay and learn about the SIS Membership with this free 30-minute, 3-intervention secret workshop. Looking...
2024-10-3118 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP142. How to Help Gestalt Language Processors TalkIf you work with minimally speaking children, this episode is for you. Kelly Vess is sharing how to develop consistent speech using books. Ready to put research into practice with Done-for-You weekly, educationally-rich activities? Check out the SIS Membership and begin creating massive change today. Learn more about the SIS Membership at KellyVess.com  Check out my free three intervention secrets workshop.
2024-09-2626 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP142. How to Use Books to Develop Speech for Gestalt Language ProcessorsIf you work with children who are minimally speaking, this episode is for you. Kelly Vess is sharing how to develop consistent speech using books. Ready to put research into practice with Done-for-You weekly, educationally-rich activities? Check out the SIS Membership and begin creating massive change today. Learn more about the SIS Membership at KellyVess.com
2024-09-2626 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP109. Four Ways to Get Out of the February FunkWhy is February the shortest month of the year, but feels like the longest? With the cooler temps, we are cooped up inside. This means we have fewer sensory experiences, less sunlight, and less movement to increase our energy and dopamine levels. How can we compensate for the lack of vitamin N? Try these four tried and true strategies. Ready to put research into practice now? Don't delay, and check out my done-for-you TOMTx activities in my SIS membership at kellyvess.com/sis today. Let's change lives together.💚Kelly
2024-02-0119 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP52. Language Goals Are 80% of Your Outcomes (Stop Wasting Time on Prepositions)If you work with children with language impairment, this will be a game-changer. Treatment goals are the food that drives 80% of your therapy outcomes—so why are we still writing goals like it’s 2004? In this episode, Kelly Vess (SLP, author, researcher) shows you how to choose game-changing, life-changing goals that improve 10+ domains at once—instead of sweating the small stuff with decontextualized, discrete skills. Inside: Why narratives beat prepositions, morphemes, and WH-Q drills (10-for-1 impact) Activity-based + movement-based goals (why sequencing cards don’t work) Challenge + verbal working memory: the hall...
2022-12-2943 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP52. Language Goals Are 80% of Your Outcomes (Stop Wasting Time on Prepositions)If you work with children with language impairment, this will be a game-changer. Treatment goals are the food that drives 80% of your therapy outcomes—so why are we still writing goals like it’s 2004?In this episode, Kelly Vess (SLP, author, researcher) shows you how to choose game-changing, life-changing goals that improve 10+ domains at once—instead of sweating the small stuff with decontextualized, discrete skills.Inside:Why narratives beat prepositions, morphemes, and WH-Q drills (10-for-1 impact)Activity-based + movement-based goals (why sequencing cards don’t work)Cha...
2022-12-2943 minThe Pediatric Speech Sister Show Podcast: Building Culturally Responsive Practice with Melanie Y. Evans, MS CCC-SLP
The Pediatric Speech Sister Show Podcast: Building Culturally Responsive Practice with Melanie Y. Evans, MS CCC-SLPEp. 1 Kwanzaa-themed Preschool Speech Therapy Ideas w/ Kelly VessLooking for inclusive Holiday-themed speech therapy activity ideas for your pre-school aged kiddos? Kwanzaa is an excellent holiday to recognize during this time for your African-American students!  For our very first episode of the Pediatric Speech Sister Show, we welcome Kelly Vess, a preschool speech language pathologist, entrepreneur, and author. On this episode, Kelly offers evidence-based ideas that will make your students feel included during the holiday celebrations AND help them reach gains toward their speech and language goals!  It was tons of fun to talk with Kelly as she discussed the ac...
2022-12-0936 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP46. Speech Perception & 12 Risk Factors for Literacy: A Simple SLP FrameworkHeaded to ASHA? Don’t miss my posters in the gallery under Kelly Vess! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most overlooked areas in speech therapy—speech perception—and why it’s directly tied to literacy outcomes. You’ll learn my 5-step process for evaluating speech perception using error productions from a single-word test. Then we dive deeper into 12 additional risk factors—from genetic history of dyslexia to poor phonological processing—that every SLP should document to catch literacy challenges before they surface in school-age years. 🎯 This week’s SIS Membership call to action: If you wor...
2022-11-1714 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP46. Speech Perception & 12 Risk Factors for Literacy: A Simple SLP FrameworkHeaded to ASHA? Don’t miss my posters in the gallery under Kelly Vess! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most overlooked areas in speech therapy—speech perception—and why it’s directly tied to literacy outcomes.You’ll learn my 5-step process for evaluating speech perception using error productions from a single-word test. Then we dive deeper into 12 additional risk factors—from genetic history of dyslexia to poor phonological processing—that every SLP should document to catch literacy challenges before they surface in school-age years.🎯 This week’s SIS M...
2022-11-1714 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP37. From Locked-In to Breakthrough: Task-Oriented Movement for Autism TherapyRestrictive, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in autism impact far more than play—they affect communication, social interaction, motor skills, executive function, and even brain development. Left unaddressed, these patterns can lock children into cycles of stress and poor outcomes. In today’s episode, Kelly Vess breaks down the research on RRBs, exposing both the visible impacts (social, language, independence) and the hidden neurological and cellular changes. More importantly, she shares the most powerful antidote: task-oriented movement activities. These purposeful, problem-solving movement interventions don’t just reduce restrictive behaviors—they actively build communication, executive function, and motor development. You’ll...
2022-09-1516 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP37. From Locked-In to Breakthrough: Task-Oriented Movement for Autism TherapyRestrictive, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in autism impact far more than play—they affect communication, social interaction, motor skills, executive function, and even brain development. Left unaddressed, these patterns can lock children into cycles of stress and poor outcomes.In today’s episode, Kelly Vess breaks down the research on RRBs, exposing both the visible impacts (social, language, independence) and the hidden neurological and cellular changes. More importantly, she shares the most powerful antidote: task-oriented movement activities. These purposeful, problem-solving movement interventions don’t just reduce restrictive behaviors—they actively build communication, executive function, and motor developm...
2022-09-1516 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLPThe Most Important Goal in Speech Therapy: Developing an Internal Locus of ControlChildren with communication disorders are more likely to develop an external locus of control—believing they have no say in whether they succeed or fail. Research shows this mindset increases their risk of dropping out of school or even entering the juvenile justice system.In this must-listen episode, I’m joined by Denise Stratton, SLP and host of The Speech Umbrella Podcast, to explore how metacognitive strategies help children become their own teachers, self-monitor their progress, and take ownership of their success.You’ll learn:Why locus of contro...
2022-07-2840 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP29. 30 Days to Create Caregiver Trust: Multicultural Strategies for SLP EvaluationsYou have 30 school days to complete an initial evaluation—how do you also build trust with parents in that short time? In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Evans, CCC-SLP, to unpack the unique challenges SLPs face: dual-working families, limited time, cultural mistrust, and the weight of labels like “special education.”Melanie shares her expertise in multicultural competence—practical ways to ask the right questions, avoid exclusionary language, and keep parents involved every step of the process. Learn how to shift from rigid procedures to family-centered evaluations that build trust across c...
2022-07-2138 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP29. How to Build Positive Parent Relationships from the StartHow can you start positive parent relationships with the real-world constraints of a 30-day school timeline and a high prevalence of dual-income households? How can you build cross-cultural relationships? Guest Melanie Evans, CCC-SLP, shares her expertise in multicultural competence for SLPs. Join us as we walk through every step of the evaluation process in this episode. For more information on effectively completing an initial evaluation, check out "Speech Sound Disorders: Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment" by Kelly Vess for videos with interactive guides illustrating best practices. Melanie Evans can be reached at @pediatricspeechsister on Instagram or by email at Melanie...
2022-07-2138 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP28. Blunt the Blood Sugar Spikes with Supplements, Drinks & FoodsWhat supplements, drinks, and foods optimize blood sugar? In this episode, I share my personal blood sugar hacks that improve my focus despite having both ADHD and a high level of sugar sensitivity. If you'd like any information regarding any specific product names or dosage discussed, email me at kelly@kellyvess.com or DM me on IG at @KellyVessSLP Please Note: I accidentally referred to dairy as 'glucose' instead of 'lactose' 3/4's though on the podcast. I prefer to keep this episode unedited as all 'The Preschool SLP' episodes are. Embrace imperfection. Also, please note that I have no aff...
2022-07-1427 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP28. Blood Sugar Hacks That Boost Your Focus & EnergyWhat if your brain fog, fatigue, or focus issues were tied to blood sugar regulation? In this episode, I share the exact hacks that changed my life and my family’s—from supplements and beverages to food swaps that help flatten glucose spikes. This is not medical advice—it’s what works for me as someone with ADHD and extreme sugar sensitivity. Learn how to keep energy steady, focus sharp, and moods regulated without falling into diet fads.👉 Just like blood sugar regulation supports focus, so do structured, research-based therapy activities. The SIS Membership gives you weekly movement-ri...
2022-07-1427 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP27. Vegan Diet + ADD? A Parent's POVJoin me in speaking to a parent of a twice-exceptional child: with both ADD and giftedness. She shares her family's vegan diet which she attributes to improving her child's focus. She also shares her personal dos and don'ts in following a vegan diet. Note: This is not medical advice from a trained medical professional, only a parent's perspective. Please seek your individualized professional advice from your medical doctor or dietitian.
2022-07-0735 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP27. Raising Healthy Kids on a Vegan Diet: Do’s, Don’ts & Daily MealsWhat does a balanced vegan diet for kids really look like? In this episode, we welcome a guest expert who shares practical, research-backed strategies for fueling children’s brains and bodies with whole foods. From what to serve at breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the do’s and don’ts of vegan snacks and supplements, this conversation is packed with ideas families can use right away. Discover how small dietary shifts can make a big difference in focus, behavior, and overall health.👉 If you’re ready to give your students or your own children the same kind of thoughtf...
2022-07-0735 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP26. How to Develop Secure Attachments with PreschoolersThe comprehension and expression challenges that come with having a communication disorder can negatively impact the development of secure attachments. What can we do to create secure attachments? Guest Rachel Cushieri Murray shares four strategies to put into practice today. To connect with Rachel, Website: www.mentalhealth4MIyouth.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentalhealth4MIyouth; Email: advocates@mentalhealth4miyouth.com
2022-06-3038 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP25. Ball Play Therapy for Preschoolers: Boost Language, Social Skills & Executive FunctionIn this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and early childhood education expert, Dr. Julia Smith, to explore how ball play develops communication, connection, and executive functioning skills. We cover four fundamental ball skills—rolling, kicking, throwing, and catching—and show you how to make them meaningful in both small group therapy and large group classroom settings. Learn how movement activities can enhance language, math, social-emotional growth, and peer relationships while keeping therapy fun and effective.Ball play is more than just fun—it’s a powerful tool for developing communication, connection, and exec...
2022-06-2328 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP25. 'Having a Ball' in Speech Therapy: Game Changing ActivitiesDeveloping fundamental ball skills are essential for communicating with peers. This episode with Early Childhood Expert Dr. Julia Smith leaves listeners with plenty of ideas for Monday morning practice. For best practices in treating the whole child (not just a mouth) in speech therapy, check out "Speech Sound Disorders: Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment" by Kelly Vess. It's sold at Amazon and other international booksellers. This book contains over 100 digital assessment and therapy clips with easy step-by-step guides.
2022-06-2328 minThe Preschool SLP
The Preschool SLP24. Is the Complexity Approach Really Effective? Debunking 20 Years of Misleading ResearchIs there real evidence against the complexity approach in treating speech sound disorders—or is it all smoke and mirrors?In this episode, I critically review one of the most highly cited (but deeply flawed) studies used to argue against the complexity approach. We’ll break down:Why the study’s design set children up for “mission impossible” goalsHow it misrepresented the complexity approach by using singletons instead of clustersWhy comparing earlier vs. later developing sounds is like comparing a 5K to a marathonWhat the research actually shows: complex clusters create cascading gains acro...
2022-06-1628 minThe Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP
The Preschool SLP: KellyVessSLP24. Is There ANY Research Against the Complexity Approach?This article is often erroneously cited as research against the complexity approach. However, a closer look at this study indicates major flaws in the a) intervention goals, b) intervention treatment targets selected, and c) measurement of progress. The outcomes of this study only add further evidence to a well-developed knowledge base that earlier sounds develop before later ones regardless of the intervention provided. To learn how to create change through the combination of complex treatment target selection and only the most effective based practices, check out "Speech Sound Disorders: Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment" by Kelly Vess. It's sold at...
2022-06-1628 min