“I love that my child gets to experience the language group that the Sam Corley Foundation provides. There aren’t a lot of free programs available to our community.”
— Parent of a child receiving services from Sam Corley Foundation
At The Sam Corley Foundation, we provide free, bilingual speech and language services, including parent training, for early language development in children 1 - 5 years old
Our Vision
To increase access to special needs care and resources for children and families experiencing the challenges of developmental delays that occur in childhood.
Our Mission
To provide speech therapy services and early language development resources to underserved communities.
Our Values
Service to Others. Our values are centered around service to others, specifically those who are not yet able to advocate for their basic needs and desires. Early intervention services are an especially important aspect of our service model.
We Work Together. Our objective is to collaborate with other specialists and special education professionals who share the same drive to provide the best care and resources to children and to their families.
And It Works!
Neural circuits in the brain are most flexible during the first three years of life, which is what makes early intervention a necessary step for changing a child’s developmental trajectory. Unfortunately in the United States, there are reportedly more children in need of early intervention services than are actually being served.
Reportedly 3.66% of children from birth to three years old received early intervention services in 2022, though developmental delays are reported to occur in 10-15% of preschool-aged children.
References for statistics: IDEA Section 618 Data Products: Static Tables- Part C
Approximately 74% of children receiving early intervention services demonstrated improvement across several developmental areas, including language and communication, cognitive development, and social-emotional development.
Hebbeler, K., Spiker, D., Bailey, D., Scarborough, A., Mallik, S., Simeonsson, R., & Singer, M. (2007)
According to a 2005 survey, 82% of parents reported that their family was “better off” as a result of early intervention. They also reported feeling competent in caring for their children and gaining access to support.
Bailey DB Jr, Hebbeler K, Spiker D, Scarborough A, Mallik S, Nelson L. Pediatrics. 2005 Dec
What We’ve Done and Plan to Do
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Hour long language workshops consisting of adapted story time followed by a hands-on activity with the participants and parents guided by a licensed speech therapist or SLPA.
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Some of your donations will go to the following:
Adapted Books (illustration costs, printing and packaging)
Flashcards
Assessment and therapy materials
Accommodations (Room and Board)
Transportation (Airfare)
Parent Education Workshops
Parental support is an equally important component of early intervention, which is why having caregivers participate in the learning process is important to progress. To increase parent confidence and involvement with obtaining early intervention services, our parent workshops will:
(Expand the topics below for more info)
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We educate parents on the importance of maintaining therapeutic practices with their child in the home.
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We provide resources to enhance early detection of language delays and provide recommendations on when to seek a specialist (psychologist, occupational and physical therapist, ENT).
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We illustrate how to access free, special education services and resources through the school system.
Help Us Support Children in Need
Each creative activity prompt is an opportunity for your child to embrace a new challenge. Through hands-on learning, your child is more likely to remain engaged and to build upon their creative problem-solving skills.
Get Involved
Please consider partnering with us in our mission to help serve children with developmental challenges and to provide education resources to their families. This will grow to be a worldwide initiative as we partner with other organizations who share the same passion for mitigating disparities in special education for underserved communities
