Photo: MIC academics Dr Suzanne Egan, Dr Jennifer Pope, Dr Mary Moloney, Mai Burke Hayes and Deirdre Breathnach pictured at the launch of the first independent evaluation of Early Talk Boost. Dr Moloney is holding 'Tizzy', a character from the Jake and Tizzy books which are a key resource used in implementing the programme with young children.
A review by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) academics into an early intervention programme for children with a language delay has found that the programme can have a pivotal role in significantly reducing the need for referrals for children to a speech and language therapist.
The Early Talk Boost programme was first implemented by TUSLA’s National Area-Based Childhood (ABC) sites in Limerick and Ballyfermot and has recently been expanded to six further urban areas.
The first independent evaluation of Early Talk Boost, which was published in Dublin on 20 May, concludes that through partaking in the programme there can be as much as a 62.5% reduction in the need for referrals for children to speech and language therapists.
It offers a review of progress made under the programme thus far and shows significant improvements in each of the language areas measured (Attention and Listening, Understanding, Speaking and Communication) in children who took part in the programme. It was found to have a meaningful impact on the children’s confidence and social and emotional development.
The MIC research team was led by Dr Mary Moloney, BA ECCE Programme Coordinator of Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies (RPECS) and consisted of Dr Jennifer Pope, Deirdre Breathnach, Mai Burke Hayes, (RPECS), and Dr Suzanne Egan and Dr Clara Hoyne from MIC’s Department of Psychology.
Research has shown that language and communication are critical to a child’s development, setting the pace for both formal and informal learning, and is one of the best predictors for educational achievements and life chances. Without intervention, speech and language difficulties may extend into adulthood, affecting emotional development, educational achievement, mental health and occupational status.
The report into Early Talk Boost found that as well as considerable improvements in children’s language and communication, confidence and social-emotional development, there were wider benefits also in the home environment. Parents reported an increased interest in books and the subsequent effect on reading, book sharing and relationships with parents and siblings.
Speaking at the launch of the report in Dublin, Dr Mary Moloney said: “It was a pleasure to lead the research team at Mary Immaculate College in the evaluation of Early Talk Boost. The evaluation, provides a robust evidence-base in the Irish context that the programme works. The findings are very promising, and highlight the significance of early intervention, and the important role of early childhood settings as sites of intervention. I am especially delighted that the Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman, TD, yesterday announced the roll out of Early Talk Boost through Equal Start - a major new model of government-funded supports to ensure children experiencing disadvantage can access and meaningfully participate in early childhood education and care.”
According to Kate Duggan, CEO of Tusla: “With my professional background in speech and language therapy, I know all too well the issues that can affect children with delayed language development. The results of the Early Talk Boost programme are remarkable, and they demonstrate the importance of early intervention for children who might otherwise face wait times for a speech and language therapy service. The programme and its results are a compelling example of what can be achieved through effective inter-agency working and partnership to tackle critical areas of need for children.”
Early Talk Boost is currently provided in Limerick, Ballyfermot, Bray, Louth, Tallaght, Clondalkin, Finglas and Darndale. A further expansion of the programme is ongoing in areas of Westmeath, Wicklow, Mayo, Galway, Dublin, North Tipperary, Limerick county, Laois, and Offaly.
