The Sing and Sign Storytime Program has been developed by Sound Bites Therapy Services to support children's communication skills through interactive shared reading and singing activities using Key Word Sign and core board symbols. Sound Bites speech pathologists will introduce practical communication strategies that can be incorporated into everyday interactions during shared reading, singing and play. Children are encouraged to participate using speech, Key Word Sign, gestures or by pointing to symbols on a core board, providing multiple ways to communicate and engage with activities.

The program supports educators and families, to use inclusive communication strategies during everyday routines. Practical resources, including core boards, Key Word Sign resources and supporting handouts, are provided to encourage the ongoing use of these strategies across a range of settings.

Key components include:

• Shared Reading: Interactive storybook experiences incorporating repeated reading, explicit vocabulary teaching and opportunities for children to communicate using speech, Key Word Sign and core board symbols.
• Singing: group singing activities throughout daily routines to provide engaging opportunities to practice and consolidate use of Key Word Signs and core board symbols.
• Key Word Sign and Core Boards: Modelling and teaching practical communication supports that can be embedded into everyday interactions and routines.
• Resources and Implementation Support: Provision of practical resources and guidance to support the continued use of communication strategies across learning environments.

Expected outcomes for this program are:

For children:

• Improved verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Improved engagement with learning.

For educators and families:

• Improved understanding of diverse communication.
• Improved ability to implement strategies to support communication.

The Sing and Sign Storytime Program is delivered by a qualified speech pathologist from Sound Bites Therapy Services and can be implemented within preschool settings or via flexible delivery options to suit service needs.

Program delivery options include:

• in-person delivery within the preschool setting
• live online delivery via virtual sessions and
• hybrid delivery, combining in-person and online components.

Program structure includes:

• one staff information session to introduce program strategies and resources
• an 8-session program delivered over one preschool term
• session duration of approximately 60-90 minutes
• small group delivery (up to 6 children at a time with opportunities for all children to be involved), with strategies designed to be generalised across the wider learning environment and
• approximately 3 hours of parent liaison for communication and sharing of resources.

The program also includes time for data collection, monitoring and review to guide implementation and ensure responsiveness to children’s needs.

Participants are provided with practical resources, including Key Word Sign materials, core boards and supporting handouts, to support delivery and ongoing use beyond the program. Delivery can be adapted to align with the routines and priorities of individual services while maintaining the core components of the program.

This program is delivered for $290.99 per 1.5-hour session. Educator and parent liaison, as well as data gathering and analysis components, are provided separately for $193.99 per hour.

The total cost of this program, including all recommended sessions and supports, is $3,879.84.

If travel is required, this will be charged based on location and negotiated prior to delivery. Country visits may be bundled with flights, car hire and/or accommodation as required. All costs are GST exclusive.