Q. How early can children with special needs start using your software?
A. Laureate has software that can meet the needs of even the youngest and/or most severely
disabled children. Children functioning below six months of age can use our Creatures
Games to increase their auditory
and visual attention, learn cause and effect and turn-taking, and develop intentionality. High-quality natural sounding
speech, colorful graphics, and amusing animation captivate, encourage, and instruct the user. All of our programs
are easily accessible through a single switch or touch screen. Laureate software provides the consistent, supportive
environment that children with special challenges require to achieve success.
Q. Which of your programs are most appropriate for early language intervention?
A. Laureate’s
programs are organized into a Linguistic Hierarchy which outlines seven stages of language development. Because the
software is integrated, children can move easily from one program to the next as they meet their goals.
We offer a number of programs for early vocabulary training. First Words, First Words II, and First Verbs provide highly-structured receptive training of 100 nouns and 50 verbs using a simple two-picture format. Exploring Nouns and Exploring Verbs train early vocabulary using engaging full-screen scenes. Talking Nouns I, Talking Nouns II, and Talking Verbs are companion programs which encourage the expressive use of this core vocabulary in communication exchanges. Adjectives and Opposites introduces the concept of opposites in a fun, exploratory environment, while First Categories provides beginning categorization training.
We also offer a variety of programs in the area of syntax training. Simple Sentence Structure helps children understand the importance of Subject-Verb-Object word order in simple sentences. LanguageLinks: Syntax Assessment and Intervention is a six-level software series which covers 75 basic grammatical forms and is designed to help children master syntax and become better communicators. Our Prepositions! program trains ten important prepositions in a variety of contexts and helps students follow simple directions necessary for school success.
The Words & Concepts Series integrates language and concept training in a unique way. Each program uses a core vocabulary of 40 nouns in 6 related activities: Vocabulary, Categorization, Word Identification by Function, Word Association, and the Concepts of Same and Different. The companion Concentrate! programs reinforce the lessons from Words & Concepts in a fun game format.
Q. I have parents asking for more language intervention services in our Early Essential Education (EEE)
program. Can Laureate software help me meet this need?
A. Laureate software provides a cost-effective solution for increasing the number of language
sessions children receive without hiring additional staff. Our programs are designed to be used independently, so
your students can use them without assistance. Children can use Laureate software five days a week, enabling them
to meet their individual education goals more quickly and efficiently.
Q. Can Laureate software save me time?
A. There are several ways in which Laureate can help you save time and enhance your effectiveness.
In addition to providing individualized language intervention on a daily basis, Laureate software will cut down on
your paperwork. Extensive data is collected and automatically saved for when you want to review and print one of
the many built-in reports. The combination of intensive computer delivered service with automated record keeping
and reporting will improve your accountability without adding more hours to your work day.
Q. What are the other benefits of your software for early language intervention?
A. Many
of our programs encourage collaborative learning, helping children with special needs interact and communicate with
their peers. Your students will not only reach their educational goals more quickly, they’ll build their confidence,
independence, and self-esteem.