Ned Behnke Speech Language Preschool

Thanks to Chris Davenport at 501 Videos for creating this.

The Ned Behnke Speech Language Preschool provides an educational experience for children and their families that unites best practices in early childhood education while promoting learning through language and reading. Our curriculum is progressive, developmental and multi-sensory with individualization. We take a theme-based approach to learning and integrate early math, science, social studies, language, and social skills into fun and unique activities.

Support for Families and Children

Families Enrolled in the Preschool Program Benefit from...

Daily large and small group activities focusing on speech, language, and pre-literacy skill development planned and/or led by a masters level speech-language pathologist
Weekly Behnke Bulletin outlining targeted skills, vocabulary, and activities
Quarterly individualized progress report outlining strength and weaknesses in the areas of social-emotional development, cognitive development, physical development, and speech, language, and literacy
Quarterly one-on-one parent teacher conference to discuss children's progress and goals
Individual pull-out speech therapy to target specific skills if needed
Preparation for transition to kindergarten

Cued Speech

This is the first preschool in the region using Cued Speech, a method that utilizes a series of visual cues to help children learn oral language. It takes advantage of children's natural attention to visual stimuli to help them differentiate between the sounds of spoken language. Research shows significant gains in oral language and reading skills for children with hearing loss, and many educators find Cued Speech an effective tool for children with developmental or speech delays.

To learn more about Cued Speech visit www.cuedspeech.org.

About Ned Behnke

Deaf from birth, Ned Behnke chose to express himself in the visual arts from an early age. He received his BA from Central Washington University and then graduated from the prestigious Rochester School with an MFA. He went on to teach the Deaf students at Cornish College of the Arts. Ned received many national fine arts awards; among them was a major public art commission, awarded by the King County Arts Commission for the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center. His legacy of benevolence is honored throughout our community, with tributes to him at Cornish and the Henry Art Museum.

Contact Preschool & Early Learning

Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center (HSDC)
Artz Communication Center
1625 19th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122

Direct 206.388.1300
Voice 206.323.5770
Videophone (Voice to Video) 206.452.7964 / 866.410.3363
TTY 206.388.1275
Fax 206.388.1301
Email education@hsdc.org / contact