The Hanen Provincial Preschool Speech and Language Initiative

In March 1998, Minister Elizabeth Witmer announced funding for the Provincial Hanen Training and Support Initiative. This funding supported Hanen basic and advanced level certification training for SLPs who provide services through local Preschool Speech and Language Systems in Ontario. Since its inception, this important support has enabled SLPs in the province to conduct or participate in the provision of Hanen Programs in their Preschool Speech and Language System.

In granting this funding, which has continued to the present, the government noted:

“The importance of training and support for parents and caregivers, and their role in enhancing speech and language development in children with communication disorders are underlying principles of the Preschool Speech and Language Initiative. The reputation of Hanen Programs and the emerging body of efficacy literature has led us to support this approach as a prime method for achieving the parent focused objectives of the initiative.”