I‘m the parent of a curious, energetic kindergartner who began school last August at the age of 5. His journey to that first day was preceded by several years of special education preschool. Since 2 1/2, he has received assistance for an expressive speech delay.

Our son is bright, outgoing, and cheerful. He understands what people tell him, but expressing his thoughts, wants, and needs back to us has been a challenge for years. It remains a daily struggle, but there has been a marked improvement in his abilities. His most significant gains have taken place in kindergarten. Being immersed among peers and meeting his speech therapist face to face is essential for his learning, as it is for other children.