Purpose of the Programme

• To extend positive communication development for all young children in their day settings.

• To integrate high quality Speech and Language Therapy and education targets for young children with speech and language difficulties.

How?

By developing partnerships between I CAN and local Speech and Language Therapy and education/early years service providers to promote early communication skills through:

• Developing the knowledge and skills base for early years practitioners on the crucial topic of speech, language and communication environments. This is at different levels according to the needs of the area.
  
  
• Accreditation of early years settings.  Providing a framework for settings to develop their expertise in this area and to embed their knowledge into practice. Also enabling SLTs to structure and target their support for children with communication disabilities. Accreditation enhances existing Quality Assurance processes.