Now that the school year has wrapped up, many families are enjoying a well-deserved break from daily routines. However, that break can sometimes lead to an unintended setback known as the “summer slide,” a period when skills gained during the school year begin to decline during a break from classes and services.
While often associated with reading and math, the summer slide can also significantly impact speech and language development, especially for children receiving speech therapy. Research shows that reducing or discontinuing speech therapy and special education services during the summer months can result in the loss of approximately 20–30% of school-year gains in academic and communication skills.
RiverView Health’s Speech-Language Pathology Team is dedicated to supporting children and families throughout the summer months with continued speech therapy services designed to help kids maintain progress, build confidence, and continue developing essential communication skills year-round.
Speech-language pathologists Marissa Eback, MS, CCC-SLP, Mikala Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP, and Erin Jore, MS, CCC-SLP, who provides services during the summer, work closely with families to create individualized plans that support each child’s unique communication goals.
Speech therapy services are available at RiverView clinics in Crookston, East Grand Forks, Red Lake Falls, and Fertile.
Summer Services Ramp Up
Eback, who serves as the coordinator of RiverView’s Speech-Language Department, notes that summer can be an especially beneficial time for therapy.
“We often see an increase in pediatric patients during the summer months due to reduced access to school-based services,” Eback explained. “Additionally, families tend to have more flexible schedules, allowing for increased frequency of sessions, which can further support progress.”
Consistent therapy sessions help reinforce essential communication skills, including articulation, vocabulary, comprehension, and social communication.
“It is important for individuals to stay consistent in receiving speech and language services,” Eback added. “During the summer, students may experience a decrease in direct services and less exposure to structured language and literacy activities. Continuing speech therapy helps maintain progress and reduces the risk of regression.”
Tips for a Successful Summer of Learning
In addition to continuing therapy services, Eback recommends incorporating simple strategies to support communication development:
Maintain consistent routines whenever possible. Visual schedules can help children complete daily tasks and transitions.
Engage in language-rich activities such as reading together, playing board games, and interacting during play.
Limit excessive screen time and encourage meaningful interaction with adults and peers.
“Summer should still be a time for relaxation and fun, but with a little intention, it can also be a time for continued growth,” Eback said. “By staying consistent with speech therapy services and practicing at home, families can help ensure children return to school ready to build on their progress rather than starting over.”
Free Developmental Screenings Available
Summer can also be an ideal time to determine if your child may benefit from speech or other therapy services.
RiverView offers free pediatric developmental screenings for children from birth to age five. These 20- minute sessions allow pediatric therapists to assess a child’s development and determine whether skilled therapy services may be beneficial. No physician referral is required.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in six children in the United States has a developmental delay, disorder, or disability. Early identification allows families to access services sooner, improving outcomes and helping children build the skills they need for success in school and beyond.
Screenings also provide a helpful benchmark for tracking a child’s development over time, ensuring appropriate support is in place if needed.
For more information about speech therapy services or developmental screenings, call Rehab Services at 218.281.9463.
