Goodrich – By a 7-0 vote on June 23, the board of education approved Kelly Laine, 30, to be the new speech and language pathologist for the district.
A graduate of Davison High School, Laine earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University. She has previously worked as a speech pathologist for the Ypsilanti Public School District for three years. She has two children, Rylee, 3 years-old and Dylan, 1-year-old.
‘My parents live here, so it’s great to move back to this area,? said Laine. ‘When I saw the opening come across the GISD (Genesee Intermediate School District) postings, I was very excited. I had been waiting for this opportunity.?
Laine said she expects to work at Oaktree Elementary School and will be working with mostly school age children; however, she wants to stress how important it is for parents to identify early on whether or not their child has a language or speech delay.
‘It is crucial to identify the problem as early as possible,? said Laine. ‘Don’t wait until third grade when it is really hard for your child to break bad habits.?
During the summer before school starts again, Laine said parents of pre-school children should determine whether their child has an articulation impairment.
‘If they are having trouble enunciating their R’s and S’s or can’t seem to comprehend what someone is saying, can’t take direction or are unable to express thoughts, they should consider putting their child in the district’s early intervention program.?
Laine said some parents may go into denial because they are afraid their child will be labeled. ‘Don’t wait, teachers will identify if a child has a problem anyway.?
Laine said if any parent is concerned about their child, they can call Oaktree Elementary School and ask that an assessment be done.