Episode 18 - What Happens to Speech Services at Age Three?

In this episode, Pam Bender fills in as host and is joined by Iván Campos, Program Specialist at CAHELP, for an in‑depth conversation about speech and language services from an educational lens. Iván brings his experience as a bilingual speech‑language pathologist and early intervention specialist to break down how families can navigate speech and language supports across systems. The conversation explores the differences between medical and school‑based eligibility, how early intervention services transition at age three, and what parents need to know when requesting school assessments and participating in IEP meetings. Pam and Iván also discuss multilingual language development, how to distinguish language difference versus language disorder, and why families should continue speaking their home language. Listeners gain practical strategies for supporting language development at home, advocating during IEP meetings, and understanding parent rights throughout the special education process. This episode offers parents, educators, and service providers clear guidance, reassurance, and tools for supporting children through speech and language services, while keeping the focus on empowerment, connection, and doing what works best for each child. Highlights • Iván explains the differences between medical and school‑based speech services. • Clear guidance on early intervention and the transition process at age three. • Insight into multilingual language development and evaluation. • Practical tips for parents entering IEP meetings. • Strategies families can use at home to support language growth. • Emphasis on cultural identity, access, and parent empowerment. Key Takeaways • Medical and educational speech services serve different purposes and use different eligibility criteria. • Parents must initiate school assessments; services do not transfer automatically. • Multilingualism does not cause language delays. • Parents have the right to interpreters and to ask questions during IEPs. • Consistent interaction matters more than technology for language development. • Understanding the process empowers families to advocate effectively. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook (  / jpa.cahelp  ) and Instagram (  / cahelp_jpa  ) | www.cahelp.org (https://www.cahelp.org) | [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])