Evaluation of the Speech and Language Therapy Service of Tallaght West Childhood Development Initiative
Year: 2020
Type: report
Abstract: For several years now, the Government, most recently through my own Department, has demonstrated a serious and significant commitment to the area of prevention and early intervention.Since 2007, we have, in partnership with The Atlantic Philanthropies, made a significant investment in the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (PEIP), which constitutes the Childhood Development Initiative, Young Ballymun and Preparing for Life, Darndale.Speech and language development is central to children's potential to enjoy and benefit from their educational opportunities, their engagement in peer relationships and individual self-confidence.We know that in disadvantaged communities, up to half of all children will require a speech and language assessment, and also that this is an area which causes great concern for parents and teachers alike.This early intervention approach, which was developed by CDI and evaluated by the Dublin Institute of Technology, engages both parents and teachers in a meaningful partnership via a three-pronged approach, whereby the therapist works with the child and the parent/carer and the Early Years practitioner or teacher.We have long recognised in other domains, such as youth crime prevention, that no single agency or discipline can fully resolve difficulties and this learning has been integrated here to inform an innovative and effective model that brings added value, minimises stigma and employs an early identification and engagement approach to ensure that children receive a service when they first need it and therefore require less intervention.We live in straitened times, but we know that a deeper understanding of what works for children and families is critical, not only for the health and well-being of the nation, but also for its economic recovery.That is why I am determined that the new Child and Family Support Agency will have a strong focus on prevention and early intervention.This model of speech and language therapy epitomises this approach, in that it works to develop capacity amongst parents and practitioners; it identifies need at an early stage in a child's development and ensures that interventions are accessible and responsive.This report offers important learning and insights not only on speech and language interventions, but more widely in terms of collaboration, connections and comprehensive responses.I very much welcome this evaluation report and the knowledge it offers us about making positive change in the lives of children and families.
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W427271533