Flying Start – Preschool Boost Program

Our Tier 2 program supports small groups of children who have been identified as experiencing speech, language or communication difficulties.

Children will participate in an initial screening of their speech, language and pre-literacy skills, followed by targeted small-group sessions. At the end of the program, progress will be reviewed and feedback provided to parents and educators.

Please note: Screenings require parent or caregiver consent and do not replace a comprehensive Speech Pathology assessment. Further assessment or intervention may be recommended where appropriate.

Early Language Development

Supporting children’s understanding and use of language, including vocabulary, sentence development, comprehension and storytelling. Educators can also build their understanding of communication milestones and recognise when children may benefit from additional support.

Speech Development

Supporting children’s speech sound development and intelligibility through play-based activities, while helping educators recognise speech patterns that may benefit from further support.

Early Literacy & Phonological Awareness

Building foundational skills for later reading and writing through engaging, play-based activities such as rhyming, syllable awareness and identifying sounds in words.

Social Communication & Play

Supporting children to build connections, participate in shared play, express their preferences and navigate social interactions, while respecting individual communication and play styles.

Gestalt Language Processing

Supporting educators to understand children who communicate using familiar phrases, scripts or repeated language. Our Speech Pathologists can explore gestalt language processing, scripting and echolalia, and share responsive strategies that support meaningful communication.

Neuroaffirming Communication

Promoting inclusive environments that recognise and respect different communication, sensory and play styles. This includes supporting educators to understand the communication needs of autistic and other neurodivergent children and foster acceptance of individual differences.

Feeding & Mealtime Participation

Supporting positive and inclusive mealtimes through education about feeding development, sensory preferences and practical strategies that promote comfort, autonomy and participation.

Supporting Educators & Families

While our program primarily focuses on targeted small-group intervention, we also recognise the importance of supporting educators and families to encourage children’s communication development beyond therapy sessions.

Our Speech Pathologists will work collaboratively with educators, modelling practical communication strategies and demonstrating how these can be incorporated into everyday preschool routines.

The program may also include dedicated education sessions for educators, parents and/or caregivers, covering topics such as speech and language development, early literacy, neurodiversity-affirming practices and practical strategies to support communication at preschool and home.

These sessions aim to build confidence and provide practical strategies that can be used to support children’s communication beyond the program.