By Lori Scott-Sulsky, M.Sc., SLP(C), Reg. CASLPO

1. What it is:

SSI's Fluency Training Program helps clinicians gain knowledge, skills and confidence in the assessment and treatment of preschool stuttering (ages 2-6). Available components include:

  • an e-learning course;
  • live support and webinars;
  • 1:1 case mentorship; and
  • a community of practice.

2. What it covers:

The e-course covers:

  • Parent Education,
  • Assessment,
  • Home Programming, and
  • a Comprehensive Indirect Treatment Protocol (ITP) for children aged 2-6 who are stuttering and their families (it is equivalent to the Fluency 101 and Fluency 201-1 SSI workshops).

3. Who it's for:

Funded through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, this program is available to SLPs employed by PSL or SBRS agencies and wishing to learn, update, or refresh knowledge and skills. We are also able to register SLP-CDA teams on a pilot basis.

4. How it works:

  • Complete the e-course at your own pace over a 3-month period;
  • Reach out for support by email, phone or Zoom;
  • Participate in live webinars and case presentations;
  • Access 1:1 mentorship with your own cases;
  • Join a Community of Practice to extend learning and network with peers.

5. What's the approach?

Based on well-documented and evaluated intervention programs (Palin Parent-Child Interaction Approach, Family-focussed Therapy, DCM-RESTART), this whole-child, whole-family, parent-delivered Indirect Treatment Protocol is presented in the context of the Preschool Fluency Pathway.

6. What's next?

Following completion of the e-course, clinicians interested in extending their knowledge, or becoming fluency leaders in their regions, are invited to access mentorship through their first clinical case using the Indirect Treatment Protocol. An experienced SSI Fluency Mentor will be available to support you in treatment planning, progress monitoring, and problem solving.