Allie’s Playschool

Overwhelmed where to start for a speech evaluation? Speech therapist Jami Beulle and I are here to help🫶🏼

1. The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) has easily navigable communication milestones and strategies to help your child meet these milestones available on their website https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/communication-milestones-2-to-3-years/

2. The Michigan program that focuses on developmental evaluations and interventions for birth to age 3 is called Early On. The program for kids aged 3-5 is called Build Up, though the informal name may vary from county to county. Build Up referrals can be made through your local ISD or RESA. Early On referrals can be made online at https://www.1800earlyon.org/

3. Often times, families are told to “wait and see” if language skills develop on their own, but if there was a free, convenient way to reduce frustration for you and your child, why wouldn’t you take advantage of that service? Neither Early On or Build Up require a referral from a medical provider, in fact, caregiver referrals are welcomed! If you ever find yourself wondering what you can do to help your child learn to use words and sentences, don’t hesitate to call!

Our last partnership of the first academic year of playschool. Truly so thankful for so many businesses believing in and helping kids ✨play✨ This month we’re diving into all things speech with speech therapist Jami Beulle. Jami works for you might also recognize her from her language-based play groups with her co-SLP through their side business
Let’s diving into speech + language building strategies:
When speaking, draw your child’s attention to your mouth. This will allow them to see how your lips and tongue move to make the sounds. If working on a specific sound, try giving it a name (example: “p” is the “popcorn sound”) and assign it a hand motion as an additional visual cue.
Turn your questions into comments to provide richer language models, increase imitation, and reduce pressure on your child. Rather than saying “are you eating cereal?” say “you’re eating cereal!” Rather than saying “what color is that?” say “that crayon is blue!” or “that crayon is...” and leave a pause for your child to fill in.
Creating opportunities for communication may be the single most important language strategy, in my opinion. The primary way to create opportunities is to avoid anticipating our child’s needs. Instead of refilling their cup when it’s empty, wait for them to come to you, and you are automatically providing a chance for them to practice communicating. When your child needs help opening a Play-Doh container, instead of doing it for them, wait until they turn to you for help, and you’ve provided another chance for them to communicate!
Kids begin using early pronouns as soon as 18 months and more complex pronouns at age 3, but they can still confuse you/me. One way to help them learn to use them correctly is to use the pronouns yourself. We tend to call ourselves and our children by name as opposed to by the proper pronoun. When we make the change to saying “give it to me” vs. “give to to Mommy” or “you have a ball!” vs. “Keaton has a ball!” we help them learn these faster.

Our last topic with is such a fun one! What do you do a do as a family at dinner time to make it special?

What a blessing it is to have such an incredible pediatric therapist right here in Kalamazoo! We are so grateful for and the care, knowledge, and joy they bring to our community.

Thank you for spending time at playschool with us, for sharing your expertise, and for engaging so thoughtfully with our little learners. These monthly partnerships have been such a gift to the children, families, and our entire playschool community.

Within the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of supporting four children and their families through the ins and outs of potty training.

If you’re wondering where to begin, or simply need a little encouragement along the way, take a look at these helpful tips from Rebecca’s guidance offers practical, compassionate support for families navigating this important milestone.

This season has been one of unexpected growth. I recently was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. This has encouraged me to slow down both in my own life and in the way I approach early childhood.

It has reaffirmed something I’ve always believed: children thrive when given the time and space to explore, wonder, create, and simply be. It’s inspired me to share more on the values of playschool. Hands-on learning. Connection. Beauty of everyday moments.

Thank you for being here. Here’s to a childhood filled with wonder, play, and presence.

This month, we’re so excited to partner with pediatric occupational therapist Rebecca Hernandez, owner of

A frequent question we hear is, “how can I help my toddler regulate their emotions?”

Toddlers are still learning how to understand their feelings and we are here to help!
Regulation is a skill that develops over time and you are your child’s safe place while they learn 🫶🏼

Stay tuned this month as we share more tips from Rebecca on supporting your little ones!

A big THANK YOU to our March is Reading Month story time readers last month! 📚
Whether you joined us in person or read bedtime stories, you made this month so meaningful & we are thankful for you🫶🏼