ECICMC Publishes Pragmatic Language Assessment Guidelines

The Early Childhood Intervention Council of Monroe County (ECICMC) recently published "Pragmatic Language Assessment Guidelines ~ A Best Practice Document." In an effort to assist in the establishment of best practice guidelines for Monroe County evaluators, a group of experienced speech pathologists representing a variety of agencies participated in a task force on pragmatic language. Members included Vicki Weaver (Stepping Stones Learning Center), Kendra Marasco (Communication Center for Hearing and Speech), Carol O'Rourke (Clinical Associates of the Finger Lakes), Laura Sepka (BOCES #1), and Laura Riddle (Rochester Hearing and Speech Center). The group reviewed current research, developmental information, and position papers from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association regarding pragmatics. This document is intended to offer information to evaluators and eligibility teams about best practice in judging the pragmatic development of preschool children.