My 8yr old has Down Syndrome and a severe speech delay. She has weekly speech who communicates with the school speech therapist too. Personally I wouldn’t agree with repeating preschool based on speech delay, in the contrary, school can have a very encouraging and stimulating impact. I’ll add a picture with great speech strategies. She”ll get there

I’ve had a similar situation with my eldest daughter. She had severe speech issues and in pre-school generally couldn’t be understood unless by family who knew her. We started intensive speech and occupational therapy. Her speech improved but was improved by kinder. She was still hard to understand. For us, I found being around other kids really helped her develop her speech and speak more clearly but the school was great too and had a speechie and aide in her class helping her. In yr 1 she can be understood mostly but still has significant issues compared to kids her age. If based on speech alone, then I would say send your child to Kinder. The play, learning and being around other kids will help and defiantly look into an aide plus a speech or OT that can come during the school day.

I think there is usually the chance to repeat the first year at school (rather than pre-school) and it would be better to go ahead and take the age-appropriate step and in the future if there are any problems then address them when they arise. She will probably be fine, but if not, then do something when there is an issue. it will be better for her to be surrounded with more “mature” children, hearing better language, than to be with younger kids who wont give her the language stimulus that might help most.

I’d be surprised if the speech pathologist recommended she remain behind based on speech alone. If her speech is that disordered and difficult to understand still, then I guess it may be difficult for her to socialise or participate in the classroom. I would imagine the speech pathologist could provide you with additional information regarding classroom supports, eligibility for classroom aides and strategies for the classroom and socialising if you are keen to have her start. The speech pathologist should also be able to provide information, tips and strategies to her teacher as well as training her for some strategies.

Im waiting to hear back from the school. I just dont want to make the wrong choice as i know i will feel guilty if she doesn’t go well at school.

Another option is always to discuss any concerns with the school head.

I would seek second opinions, possibly from another speech therapist and a senior teacher if you are unsure? Both are professionals in their field of expertise and both make recommendations based on their skills and experience. Also reflect on what you think is best for your child.

I guess its a case of the pre-school teacher being in her presence a lot more than the speech therapist. Her pre-school teacher would be looking at the whole package and I’d like to thin that if she wasn’t keeping up with the other children then she would say so. If you’re still unsure perhaps speak to the school where you plan to send your daughter and get their thoughts. They can actually speak to the pre-school teacher so this may give you more clarity.