What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

LEAP - University of Maryland

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LEAP - University of Maryland

LEAP (Language-Learning Early Advantage Program) at the University of Maryland Morning and afternoon classes are available.

The University of Maryland's LEAP Preschool is charged with a dual mission - to provide therapeutic preschool environment for 3-5 year old children in the community who have identified speech and/or language disorders and to serve as a clinical training site for students enrolled in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences (HESP). The award-winning LEAP program has been a part of the university community since 1994 and was founded by Dr. Nan Bernstein Ratner, a HESP faculty member and former chair of the department. LEAP is in session three days/week during the university's fall and spring semesters and also for a 6 week summer program. Families who are interested in LEAP but have not had their children seen for evaluation of their speech-language skills may call The Hearing and Speech Clinic, which offers evaluations to diagnose possible speech-language disorders. Recommendations regarding therapy and an extensive written report are included with all evaluations. The Hearing and Speech Clinic also offers speech-language therapy for all types of communication difficulties which can include: language problems following a stroke or head injury, developmental language delay/difficulty, language learning disability, and/or social skills difficulties; and also for concerns related to articulation, stuttering, voice, accent modification, and/or cognitive organization, memory, and attention. Please follow this link for more information: http://hesp.umd.edu/content/appointments.

09/03/2026

We have one spot remaining at our award-winning preschool for the 2026-2027 school year! 🐢

07/09/2026

Thank you for an awesome summer semester! We will see you again on September 14! ☺️🐢✏️

05/08/2026

So proud to celebrate Carly’s graduation from the TerpsEXCEED program at the University of Maryland 🎓

TerpsEXCEED is a two-year, inclusive college program for students with intellectual disabilities, offering real college experiences (from auditing courses and living on campus to building career skills through internships). Over the past two semesters, Carly gained hands-on experience interning at the LEAP Preschool.

Programs like TerpsEXCEED are redefining what access to higher education looks like, creating opportunities, fostering community, and empowering students to thrive.

Congratulations, Carly 🐢😭🥹this is just the beginning!

05/05/2026

Wearing two hats and feeling especially grateful for both. 🧢👒

As a professor of speech-language pathology and a practicing SLP, May always holds special place in my heart . I get to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about communication disorders and the incredible, life-changing work our SLP sisters and brothers do every day.

At the same time, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week, a moment to recognize the educators who inspire, support, and shape the next generation.

Living at the intersection of these two roles reminds me how powerful it is to train future clinicians while continuing to serve clients and families.

Grateful to be part of a profession that changes lives in so many ways, and to stand alongside educators and clinicians who do this meaningful work every single day! 🐢

04/17/2026

We’re so grateful that Dr. Veronica Kang visited us today! ✨ As part of her Introduction to Special Education course, her undergraduate students created thoughtful children’s books highlighting students with disabilities and shared them with our LEAPsters. It was such a meaningful and engaging experience for everyone involved 💙📚 Thank you, Dr. Kang and your students, for such an inspiring visit! 💫💫💫

04/07/2026

Join Us This Summer!

Looking for a fun, engaging, and enriching summer experience for your child? LEAP Preschool is excited to welcome families for our Summer 2026 Semester!

📅 Program Dates: June 1 to July 8, 2026
📍 Location: LEAP Preschool at the University of Maryland, College Park

Why Choose LEAP?

✨ Play-based, language-rich learning environment
✨ Individualized support for communication development
✨ Inclusive setting that supports all learners
✨ Opportunities for peer interaction, play, and growth

What Your Child Will Experience

📚 Interactive story time and early literacy activities
🎵 Music, movement, and play-based learning
🗣️ Embedded speech and language support throughout the day
👫 Social skills development through guided peer interactions

Spots Are Limited!

Enrollment is first come, first served. Secure your child’s spot today!

📧 Contact us:
Dr. Courtney Overton
[email protected]

03/02/2026

Help someone else learn about by sharing this on your page!

For even more information visit our website: https://www.apraxia-kids.org

02/16/2026

💕Happy Valentine’s Day from the LEAP crew!💕 We had a fun time decorating cookies, making crafts, and more! 😍

02/13/2026

Finding a preschool is overwhelming. You want warmth, safety, and friendships. But when your child needs extra support, you also want expertise. The LEAP Preschool gives you both.

What makes it truly special is that preschoolers receive 90 minutes of 1:1 speech, language, and literacy therapy every single week. Not pull-out once in a while. Not just general classroom support. Real, individualized, evidence-based therapy built into their school experience.

The goals connect to the classroom. The support is intentional and consistent. And the growth you see is not just academic. It is confidence. Communication. Independence. Social connection.

As a parent, there is nothing more reassuring than watching your child feel successful and understood.
LEAP is not just a preschool. It is a community that sees the whole child and invests deeply in helping them thrive.

Address

7251 Preinkert Drive
College Park, MD
20742

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13014054218

Website

https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/leappreschool

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