S.M.I.L.E

Do you wish you could connect with and understand your child better? Does your child become frustrated when you don’t comprehend what he or she is saying? Would you like your child to say more words or use longer sentences?

The It Takes Two to Talk program can help!

The It Takes Two to Talk® is a 12-week program designed for parents of children with language delays (birth to five). It will give you step by step instructions to:
• Understand how your child communicates and what motivates your child to communicate
• How to respond to your child in ways that improve language learning
• How to talk so that your child can learn new concepts, words, and ideas
• How to turn everyday activities into opportunities for your child to learn language

About the program:

• It Takes Two to Talk® is an evidence-based program proven to have positive effects on the communication development of young children
• Led by a Hanen Certified speech-language pathologist
• Tailored to each individual child and family with the support and ideas from other parents
• Supportive parent-facilitated supplement to current therapies

We will also be offering a second program, More Than Words®.

The More Than Words® program was designed specifically for parents of children ages 5 and under on the
autism spectrum. Addressing the unique needs of these children, the program provides parents with the
tools, strategies and support they need to help their children reach their full communication potential.
Here are some of the valuable things you’ll learn:
• How your child learns best and what motivates him to communicate
• How to use your knowledge about your child to set realistic goals
• Tips for using pictures and print to help your child’s understanding
• Tips on how to talk so that your child understands you
• Strategies for developing your child’s play skills
• Ways to help your child make friends
• How to make interactions with your child last longer and be more meaningful

The More Than Words program includes:

• A Hanen Certified speech-language pathologist leading the program
• A pre-program consultation for you and your child with your speech-language pathologist
• 8 training sessions in small, personalized groups
• Three individual visits for you and your child with your speech-language pathologist in which you are
videotaped while practicing with your child. Then you and your speech-language pathologist watch the
videotaped interaction to “see” what’s helping and what you can modify to help even more

Financial Assistance is available to families that qualify.

For more information about either of the programs, or to see if you qualify for financial assistance, e-mail aniqa@smile-ptd.com

Science in Toyland
Come play! Spin tops, set up dominoes, build a mini roller coaster and more. Explore what toys teach us about science in this fun, hands-on exhibit.
All month
California ScienCenter – Los Angeles

Mommy (or Daddy) and Me Cooking Class
The classes consist of cooking, arts & crafts and story time. Hands on, fun and creative, nutrition education, quick, easy and healthy recipes; breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack ideas. Come join the fun, geared toward children 2-5.
Monday 10:30-11:30 and Wednesday 3:15-4:15
The Tree House Social Club – Los Angeles

Seas of Science Children’s Show
Seas of Science is an original children’s theater performance for ages 4 to 10 years old which centers around Marisol, who is joined in her adventures by Barry The Robot, Sergio The King, the Science Party, and The Captain aboard a magical ship that can take them any place at any time!
November 5 & 6 -11:30 AM – 12:30- PM
The Doll Factory- Los Angeles

Sensory Friendly Films
AMC auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced.
Puss in Boots
November 5 – 10 AM
All AMC theaters

Day Out With Thomas
Day Out with Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas & Friends. The event provides an opportunity for little engineers to ride on board a train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine and other activities.
November 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13
Orange Empire Railway – Perris

Children’s Nature Institute
Have you ever seen a bearded dragon or a Madagascar hissing cockroach?! Now is your chance! Come experience a hands-on, nature learning experience where children (and grownups!) have the opportunity to observe, touch, and interact with a few of the Children’s Nature Institutes favorite live animals and natural artifacts.
November 20
Zimmer Children’s Museum – Los Angeles

Yo Gabba Gabba Live!
It’s time to get up and dance! The Yo Gabba Gabba team is on the road again and is stopping by with all your favorites – Brobee, Foofa, Plex, Todee and more!
November 25-26
Nokia Theater – Los Angeles

Free to Be Me Drum Circle
Grab a drum and feel the beat move you! Join Sabina Sandoval of Free to Be Me Drum Circle and experience the thrill, the fun, and the healing of the drum!
November 27
Zimmer Children’s Museum – Los Angeles

John Tracy Clinic Mission Statement
The John Tracy Clinic provides, worldwide and without charge, parent-centered services to young children with a hearing loss offering families hope, guidance and encouragement. Over 20,000 children and their families are served by  JTC professionals every year.

Guiding Principles
•  To make a multifaceted effort – nationally and internationally – to seek out those whom we can serve.
•  To positively impact the lives of the children, parents and families.
•  To facilitate early identification of hearing loss from birth through five years.
•  To provide early intervention services for preschool children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.
•  To offer parents support and education.
•  To furnish a spoken language environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
•  To maintain a leadership role in deaf education through professional development and research.

The John Tracey Clinic provides
Parent Education
• Spoken language curriculum
• Mentoring for inclusive education advocacy
Teacher Education
• Master’s program with University of San Diego
• In-service workshops and professional seminars
International Summer Sessions
• Intensive parent workshops and planning
• Spoken language preschool
• Audiology evaluations
Audiology and Consultation
• Comprehensive hearing screenings
• Parent support for concerns about hearing loss
Parent/Infant Program
• Individualized coaching in family routines
• Communication development through play
Auditory-Oral Preschool
• Parent-participatory early childhood program
• One-on-one speech/language sessions
Parent Distance Education
• English or Spanish courses by mail or online
• Individualized guidance for families
Community Hearing Screening:
• Hearing monitoring at clinics and preschool programs in the Los Angeles Area
• Hearing awareness training for early childhood staff

What is the Hanen Center?
The Hanen Center is a recognized innovator in family-focused early language intervention programs, leading the way in learning resources for parents and professionals around the world. As a charitable organization founded more than 30 years ago in Canada, The Center is committed to making a difference in the lives of young children by supporting and collaborating with the important adults in their lives. One of the Hanen Center’s courses is It Takes Two to Talk.

It Takes Two to Talk is a family-focused program for groups of parents with young children who have communication difficulties. It is based on years of research that shows the need for early language intervention and the importance of parents’ involvement in the intervention process. It is designed for toddlers and preschool-age children with specific language impairment, as well as for children with cognitive and developmental delays under age five.

Through a combination of group sessions and individual consultations using videotaping and feedback, It takes Two to Talk helps parents learn how to create and take advantage of everyday opportunities to promote their child’s language development in everyday situations.

Parent Testimonials
“The Hanen Program changes not only the way you communicate with your child, it changes the way you converse with all the people in your life. You will learn the joy of communicating with your child and it will be fun and forever changing.”

“If you have a concern about your child’s level of speech for his/her age: take action. This class can  help a wide variety of parents and children and is well worth the time.”

“I now am able to speak with my child in a way that he understands and can respond appropriately.”

Courses at SMILE

Smile will be offering evening and daytime courses for the “It Takes Two to Talk” program starting August 30th. The class meets once a week for twelve weeks and is led by speech therapists Nicole Hajjar, Julia Franklin and Velia Gonzales. The course will be offered in English and Spanish. Classes are filling up fast so reserve your spot by signing up at the front desk.

Los Angeles County Fair

The County Fair is finally here! Deep-fried everything, circus shows, live music, carnival rides and more. Children can enjoy the petting zoo, a shark tank, the circus as well as educational exhibits, including “Live Healthy.”

September 3 – October 2 Closed Mondays
Los Angeles Fairgrounds – Pomona

Sing-A-Long

This free treat is sure to get your little ones laughing and singing along with all your favorite children’s songs.

Fridays at 11 AM
Zimmer Museum, Mann Theater – Los Angeles

Matinee Movie

This month’s selection is an animated action comedy about a colorful new sheriff in town. He’s got a knack for camouflage, but can he be the hero the town really needs?

September 3 – 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Westchester Library – Loyola Village – Los Angeles

Pirate Party

In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, they library will be swabbing the decks, walking the planks and sharing stories and songs and a puppet show all about pirates.

September 17 – 2:00-3:00 PM
Los Angeles Public Library – Central Branch – Los Angeles

Pinwheels for Peace

International Peace Day is September 21. Join the Zimmer Museum in celebrating by creating pinwheels. Decorate them and take them home in hopes of “whirled peace.”

September 18 – All day
Zimmer Children’s Museum – Los Angeles

Aztec Stories and Songs

Storyteller Michael Heralda presents the world of the Mexika/Aztecs through ballads, oral tales and ancient poetry.

September 24 – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Los Angeles Public Library – Central Branch – Los Angeles

World Famous Popovich Pet Theater

This family-oriented blend of comedy and juggling features Gregory Popovich and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets.

September 29 – 7:00 PM
Pepperdine University – Malibu

Smile Pediatric Therapy & Diagnostics is currently seeking licensed speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to join our dynamic team!

Smile provides multi-disciplinary therapeutic assessment and treatment to infants, toddlers, and school-aged children who are experiencing some form of developmental delay. We are located in the heart of Los Angeles at 5000 Sunset Blvd., Suite 510, 90027. We offer excellent employment packages which include, CEU & materials reimbursement, paid sick days & holidays, health benefits, ongoing mentorship training, and paid vacations to name a few. Immediate part-time and full time positions are available, along with negotiable hourly & salary packages. Bilingual (Spanish) skills a plus.

For more information please contact Nicole Hajjar MS-CCC-SLP, Director of Clinical Services at:

323.644.9380 (office)

323.644.9381 (fax)

nicole@smile-ptd.com

Smile Pediatric Therapy & Diagnostics has recently moved to a new suite. We moved from the 6th floor to the 5th floor of the Citibank Building. Located just minutes away from Children’s Hospital, Kaiser Medical Center, and the Vermont/Sunset metro station, we welcome you to our new space!

Therapeutic services are provided in themed rooms including: Mermaid Island, Space Exploration, Zoo Nation, Happy Farm, Rockstar City, Down Under, and A Walk in the Park. Original art work by Elisha “ED” Holden, our resident artist, makes our kids Smile and imaginations  soar!

Come see our new space, where you will find quality, family-centered therapeutic services, provided in a colorful landscape!

To schedule a tour of our facility please contact Marisol Buenrostro/Office Administrator at 323.644.9380 or via email at marisol@smile-ptd.com.

We look forward to seeing at Smile!