Learning Screenings

Speech screenings are a crucial early step in identifying communication challenges ensuring that children receive the support they need to succeed. These screenings help detect potential speech or language delays, speech disorders, and other issues that may affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively. By detecting concerns early, speech screenings enable timely interventions, which can significantly improve a child’s speech development, academic performance, and social interactions.  This is a great opportunity to connect with a professional about your child’s communication. Parents will complete a brief form regarding speech concerns and your child will participate in a 10-15 minute screening with the speech pathologist. The SLP will provide resources and a recommendation for further steps if necessary.

Deana Lesher is the founder and owner of Pediatric Connections. She is a proud graduate of the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. Deana has extensive experience in pediatric settings including 10 years in the public school system.​

Occupational Therapists specialize in helping children succeed in activities of daily living in the home, school, and community. They are uniquely trained to help children detect, interpret, and regulate sensory information which, in turn, allows for appropriate motor and behavioral responses.

Deana has been studying reflex integration and has over 400 hours in continuing education. This is often called “the missing link” in therapy and is the main focus of her intervention protocol. She is also level 1 certified in Handwriting Without Tears and successfully implemented that curriculum in three different school districts.

https://pediatricconnectionsot.com/

School readiness skills require engagement of all of our sensory systems. Parents will complete a brief form, and the child will participate in a 10–15-minute screening. An occupational therapist practitioner will provide screenings for foundational fine motor skills including grasp patterns for drawing, writing, coloring and use of scissors. Observation of self-regulation, motor planning, eye hand coordination and balance will be included. The occupational therapy practitioner will provide resources and recommendations for further steps if necessary.

Jean Wetherilt, OTR/L and Staci Wright COTA both from PossAbilities Children’s Therapy Group will be performing the screenings. PossAbilities is a local pediatric clinic serving the Kansas City area for 20+ years for children ages 0-21 years. Jean is also a veteran homeschooling mom and Staci is a currently homeschooling allowing a unique perspective to assist and support homeschooling families.

https://www.poss-abilities.com/

Areas of assessment such as phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, decoding skills, oral reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension will be presented, based on the student’s current grade level. A Special Education/Orton Gillingham Trained Interventionist will conduct the reading screening. Students will participate in their grade specific reading screening. Parents will complete a brief survey. Upon completion of the screening, lasting approximately 20 minutes, parents will receive an overview of the screening along with resources to support reading. If it is determined that the student would benefit from additional support, recommendations may be shared.

Suzanne Wandling, CEO and Co-founder of Homeschoolers.com supports families through coaching, training, and individualized instruction. Suzanne partners with families to help them to confidently homeschool and experience joy in the process. Growing up a Southerner, she attended the University of New Orleans, earning degrees in Elementary and Special Education. Suzanne moved to Kansas to attend the University of Kansas and completed a master’s degree in Special Education. As a trained ICF Coach and Orton Gillingham trained educator, Suzanne is passionate about equipping and encouraging families.  Suzanne lives in Kansas with her husband Warren, two daughters, and rescue dog.

https://homeschoolers.com/