Introducing our social language groups program! Each group is led by a highly qualified speech-language pathologist and supported by a skilled aide. Each eight-week class block provides children with opportunities to interact with a consistent group of peers and adults. Through a combination of play-based activities, role-playing exercises, and group discussions, your child will learn how to navigate social situations with more confidence and ease. Group participants are decided based on age, functional level and location. We will set up a brief screening phone call with you and your child to determine if your child is a good match for a particular group.

Each group is limited to a small size, allowing us to provide personalized attention to each child. The small group will allow your child a more hands-on experience to foster relationships with others. Our social groups are for any child who struggles with social communication skills. We focus on building a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children feel comfortable expressing themselves and interacting with others.

During each class, your child will experience lessons on social concepts and facilitated social interaction with peers and adults. Goals that may be targeted for younger children include greetings, asking questions/making comments, sharing, problem solving with a peer, and flexibility within play. For older / more advanced children, while still having fun, we shift our focus more toward the important skills of group cooperation, negotiation for individual and team desires, and social problem-solving at both an individual level and within groups. The curriculum includes elements of Michelle Garcia Winner’s programs Social Thinking and We Thinkers!

Our experienced team will work with your family to learn how to best support your child through the social group curriculum. We incorporate neurodiversity affirming principles to promote inclusivity for all of our participants. Our goal is to improve their ability to communicate effectively with others, make and maintain friendships, and develop important social skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Another one of our main objectives is to help your child feel a sense of belonging and develop their self-esteem and confidence as they contribute to the group’s success. Our hope is that participation will lead your child to build relationships and make new friends outside of their school circle. Perhaps they will even discover new interests and passions. And, of course, you as a parent can also network and build new relationships with other parents of kids in the group!

Enroll your child in our social language groups today and watch them grow in confidence and social competence! 

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Rules of Attendance/Payment Policies:

• Our social groups will be held weekly over an 8-week block of time. Weeks including national and school holidays are excluded. Classes will resume the following week.
• Families are expected to attend all regularly scheduled sessions. Regular attendance promotes progress and allows participants to fully engage in group activities. 
• In the event of an absence, participants or their guardians must notify the group’s facilitating speech pathologist, as well as Annie Galiani, by text message or e-mail with as much notice as possible. This allows for proper planning and consideration of the group dynamic.
•  The group will be held as scheduled, even if for just an individual child. 
• Please communicate with your therapist and Annie Galiani of any dates in the 8-week block that you will not be able to attend. 
• If there are any unforeseen closures (weather, building emergency, etc.), we will notify our families as soon as possible.
• If the class is canceled by Gold Speech, the class will be rescheduled at the end of the course.
• Payment is required in advance of the start 8-week block. A 50% deposit will be required when reserving a spot in the group. The remaining balance will be charged to the card on file 10 days before the first scheduled session and is nonrefundable.
• Your initial 50% deposit is refundable, less a $50 processing fee, until 15 days prior to the start of the class. After that date it is nonrefundable.
• Priority registration for future classes will be given to families who participated in the full 8 week class, consistently attended scheduled sessions, and made timely payments.
• The safety of our clients and therapists are our top priority. If your child demonstrates any aggressive behaviors (e.g., hitting, pushing, kicking or biting), your child will be asked to leave the group immediately. A prorated refund will be issued for the remainder of unattended classes if we ask your child to leave the group. 
• Group sessions will incorporate facial expressions and nonverbal cues, which can be difficult when participants are masked. Due to the nature of our group, we have decided to use a mask-optional policy, which aligns with the County of Santa Clara mandate. If your child has a slight runny nose or slight cough, please have them wear a mask. If your child is clearly ill, please keep them home. Attendees must be 24 hours fever-free (unmedicated) in order to attend the small group. 
• Please be aware that most insurance companies will not reimburse for CPT group speech therapy code 92508, which means families will be responsible for all service payments. You can request a paid invoice for your records after the time of payment.