Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about initiating Speech, Language, and Literacy Services

How do I get started?

Email me directly at JKitaychikSLP@gmail.com to schedule your free phone consultation or use the Contact Me page to inquire more about services.

Where are your services provided?

Services could be provided either remotely, in my office in Tetuán (Madrid), or at your home/child's school depending upon availability and distance from the office. Contact me here to discuss all the options.

What ages do you work with?

I typically work with students between the ages of 18 months to 16 years old.

Are you qualified to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Yes! I received my Speech-Language Pathology Masters degree from Brooklyn College, CUNY NY in 2015. In addition, I have my Certificate of Clinical Competencies (CCCs) from the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and state licensure in New York. 

Are you qualified to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Spain?

Yes! I went through the process of homologación (degree recognition) and I am officially a Logopeda in Spain recognized by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación, y Universidades. This allows me to practice legally as a Speech-Language Pathologist/Speech Therapist in Spain. 


Additionally, I am colegiada/ a member of the Colegio de Logopedas in Madrid (NºCol: 28/1895).

Do you conduct any speech and language evaluations?

Yes! I can assess expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation/phonology, & learning disorders/dyslexia. I also can do simple screenings and diagonstic therapy. For more information about evaluations, check out my Evaluations page!

Do you provide speech and language therapy sessions in English, in Spanish, or in both languages?

I provide speech and language therapy sessions only in English.

How do I know which language my child should recieve speech and language therapy in?

Children should receive speech and language therapy in their dominant language. The dominant language is the language with which a bilingual or multilingual child has greatest proficiency and/or uses more.  

All of the language and phonological skills learned and support received in the dominant language should then carry over to the other languages that the child is acquiring.

Do you take insurance?

While I do not accept insurance directly, some of my clients have had success with being reimbursed by their insurance companies. Please check with your insurance company regarding their reiumbursement policies. I will do everything in my power to provide whatever supporting documents are required for reimbursement. 

What are your rates?

My rates depend on a number of factors: duration, frequency, and location of services. Contact me to learn more.

How do I know if my child needs speech, language and/or literacy therapy?

If you have any concerns regarding your child's speech, language and/or literacy development, you should reach out to a Speech-Language Pathologist for a consultation. 

Below are some questions that could help guide you. Your child may benefit from speech, language and/or literacy therapy if you answer "yes" to any of the following questions:

What does a typical speech and language therapy session look like?

Sessions vary depending on the age and needs of students. 

Is teletherapy a good idea for speech, language and/or literacy sessions?

How do you make teletherapy work?

By incorporating the student’s interests and/or relevant academic materials into the session to target goals

• My keys for successful teletherapy sessions and carryover of learned skills:

• Establishing rapport and a relationship that transcends the screen

• Emitting enthusiasm and positivity

• Using relevant and engaging materials

• Books, games, puppets, PowerPoints

• Consistency in attendance

• Encouraing cooperation, active participation, & collaboration          

  amongst my students, their caregivers, and members of their 

  multidisiplinary team. 


Questions about bilingualism/multilingualism

Does being exposed to multiple languages cause a language delay or confusion?

No! There is currently no empirical evidence to link bilingualism to language delay. Dual language learning does not cause confusion and/or language delays in young children, as shown from grounded research.

“There is no scientific evidence to date that hearing two or more languages leads to delays or disorders in language acquisition. Many, many children throughout the world grow up with two or more languages from infancy without showing any signs of language delays or disorder”. De Houwer (1999, p.1)

Check out this link for more information about dispelling myths regarding multilingualism.

Should we stick to exposing our child to only one language?

No! Please, expose your children to all of the languages that they would receive the richest input from you.

I hear that it is typical for bilingual/multilingual children to be late talkers. When though should I consider a referral to a Speech-Language Pathologist?

With guidance from this helpful link from Hanen.org, please see below for potential red flags for a speech and/or language delay. Please understand that if your child does not develop one of the skills during these ranges, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem. But if your child hasn’t reached most of the milestones for their age, a consultation with a speech-language pathologist would be recommended. 

By 10-12 months

From 13-18 months

From 19-24 months

From 24-36 months

From 36-48 months

From 48-60 months

What should I do if I have concerns regarding my child's speech and/or language but my child's pediatrician tells me there is nothing to worry about and we should just "wait and see".

Share this link with your pediatrician and be active in getting support for your child.

Do you think it's okay to take the "wait and see" approach with potential speech and language delays?

I personally and professionally would recommend the following: if you have any concerns, doubts or questions regarding your child's speech, language, or literacy, reach out to a Speech-Language Pathologist for at minimum a consultation. 

Early language intervention is important for children who present with delays in order for them to develop the skills necessary for future success in their academic and personal lives.