Speech, language and communication are very important areas in child development. However, some deviations might occur within the mentioned areas, seeing that child’s speech and language development is influenced by numerous factors (the quality of family environment, socio-economic factors of a family, child’s gender, kindergarten, peers and genetic factors). The children showing such deviations in speech and language communication need more incentives and some adjustments in various activities. The deviations can turn into disorders. In the event of such disorders, speech therapists can provide help. Some kindergartens employ speech therapists. The focus of my research was the question whether the preschool teachers working with speech therapists employed in kindergartens are more qualified to work with children showing speech and language deviations, as opposed to those teachers in kindergartens that do not employ speech therapists. The research was based on 55 preschool male and female teachers from different kindergartens all over Slovenia. By giving them the anonymous questionnaire to complete, I obtained their answers and their opinions.
My BA dissertation emphasises the importance of cooperation between a speech therapist and a preschool teacher, since this is the only way to observe in due time any deviations in speech and language communication and deal with them promptly or rather determine the appropriate logopedic treatment. The latter enables the proper speech and language communication that in turn also leads to proper development in other areas. Speech therapists can help preschool teachers by advising them on how to plan language education and thus contribute to the quality of the educational process in a kindergarten.
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