Our Crowdfunding Groups
Why Support LEAP?
LEAP makes a positive impact on children in our community at a very early age. Help magnify that impact by supporting LEAP's 25th anniversary classroom update! For nearly 25 years, the Language-Learning Early Advantage Program (LEAP) has worked with more than 250 families of preschool-aged children with communication delays. Your generous gift will allow us to update our classroom, purchase new instructional materials, and improve our educational technology so that we can continue to support children and families well into the future.
The Language-Learning Early Advantage Program (LEAP)
Did you know that nearly one in 12 children has had a communication disorder in the past 12 months? Speech and language challenges in early childhood can have a substantial impact on a child’s ability to interact with the world around them, to communicate with family members and peers, and to experience social-emotional growth. With early identification and support, many young children are able to overcome these challenges and have successful long-term outcomes.
LEAP is a therapeutic communication enrichment program for preschool-aged children, housed within the Hearing & Speech Clinic in the Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences. LEAP was developed to support the needs of children with a range of speech and language difficulties. This program offers a comprehensive preschool curriculum with an emphasis on communication development and individualized speech and language therapy. Children in LEAP are also provided with instruction in the area of pre-literacy skills.
Providing Services to Local Community for 25 Years
We have provided a valuable service to the community in and around the University of Maryland for a quarter of a century. LEAP is a one-of-a-kind program, with a unique blend of individualized education and intensive communication intervention. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our 25th year of supporting the local community with the services we provide.
Clinical Education for Speech-Language Pathology Students
LEAP provides both undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to work with children who have speech and language difficulties. Graduate student clinicians in the master’s program in speech-language pathology participate in LEAP to accrue clinical hours as part of their on-campus practicum experience on their paths to become licensed speech-language pathologists.
Learn more about LEAP:
http://hespclinic.umd.edu/leap-preschool
Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.
Tic-tac-toe anyone? Your contribution at this level will go toward the purchase of new puzzles and games for the classroom.
Help us bring out our LEAPsters' inner Picasso, Hemmingway, and Mozart! Your contribution at this level will go toward the purchase of new artwork, books, and musical enrichment materials for the classroom.
What about some theraputty, beanbags, or sand & water tables? Your contribution at this level will go toward the purchase of new sensory toys.
Let's get our LEAPsters up to date with the latest educational software! Your contribution at this level will go toward the purchase of instructional technology and educational software.
Out with the old and in with the new! Your contribution at this level will go toward the purchase of new classroom essentials including bookcases, play furniture and cubbies.
What better way to help us LEAP into the 21st century than with some new technology? Your contribution at this level will go toward the purchase of iPads for the class.