OSHAA Speech and Communication Therapy Diploma for Kids
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Speech Therapy for Children is a structured training program designed in alignment with occupational health and safety principles to support the identification, assessment, and improvement of speech and language development in children. The course focuses on building awareness of communication disorders and promoting safe, effective, and ethical intervention practices in educational and healthcare environments.
This program introduces learners to the fundamentals of speech and language development in children, including common speech delays, articulation issues, fluency disorders, and communication challenges. It emphasizes early detection and appropriate support strategies to improve children’s ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. The course also highlights the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and stress-free environment for effective speech development.
In addition, the diploma provides practical knowledge of communication techniques, behavior support strategies, and caregiver involvement in speech improvement processes. It is suitable for teachers, caregivers, healthcare assistants, and individuals working in child development settings. By completing this course, learners gain essential skills to support children’s communication needs in a safe, responsible, and professional manner in line with recognized occupational safety and care standards.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Speech Therapy for Children
- Minimum Age Requirement – Applicants must be at least 18 years old to ensure readiness for professional learning and child support training
- Educational Background – Minimum secondary education (Matric/SSC) is recommended; candidates with qualifications in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Speech Therapy, Nursing, or Child Development will be preferred
- Language Proficiency – Basic understanding of English is required to follow course materials, communication techniques, and safety guidelines effectively
- Work Experience – No prior experience is required; however, experience in teaching, childcare, or healthcare support is considered an advantage
This course is suitable for both beginners and professionals who want to develop skills in supporting children’s speech and communication development in line with occupational safety and care standards.
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Speech and Language Development in Children (2 hours)
- Understand the key stages of typical speech and language development in children.
- Recognise the relationship between speech and language development and cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
- Identify the milestones for speech and language skills from infancy through early childhood.
Speech and Language Disorders in Children (4 hours)
- Understand the various types of speech and language disorders, such as articulation disorders, aphasia, and language delays.
- Learn how to recognise early signs of speech and language disorders in children.
- Explore the potential causes and contributing factors to speech and language difficulties.
Assessment and Diagnosis of Speech and Language Disorders (4 hours)
- Gain an understanding of the different assessment tools and methods used to evaluate speech and language abilities in children.
- Learn how to interpret speech assessments and diagnose common speech and language disorders.
- Develop skills to differentiate between normal developmental variations and speech or language impairments.
Speech Therapy Techniques and Interventions (5 hours)
- Learn effective speech therapy techniques for treating speech and language disorders in children.
- Understand how to design and implement intervention strategies tailored to individual needs.
- Explore evidence-based practices in speech therapy, such as articulation therapy, language stimulation, and augmentative communication.
Speech and Language Development in Bilingual and Multilingual Children (3 hours)
- Understand the challenges involved in assessing and treating speech and language disorders in bilingual or multilingual children.
- Recognise the differences between typical language development in bilingual children and potential language disorders.
- Learn how to apply culturally competent strategies in speech therapy for children from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Supporting Social Communication Skills in Children (3 hours)
- Develop strategies to support children’s social communication and pragmatic language skills.
- Understand the role of speech therapy in improving peer interactions and social language.
- Learn techniques to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or social communication difficulties.
Involving Families in Speech Therapy (3 hours)
- Understand the importance of involving families in the speech therapy process for better outcomes.
- Learn how to effectively communicate with parents and caregivers about their child’s progress and needs.
- Explore methods for training and empowering families to continue speech therapy techniques at home.
Ethical and Legal Considerations in Speech Therapy (2 hours)
- Gain knowledge of ethical considerations when providing speech therapy services to children.
- Understand the legal requirements regarding confidentiality, consent, and safeguarding in speech therapy practice.
- Learn how to navigate challenging ethical dilemmas and ensure compliance with professional codes of conduct.
Early Intervention Strategies in Speech Therapy (4 hours)
- Recognise the importance of early intervention in speech and language disorders.
- Learn how to identify early signs of speech delays and disorders and respond with appropriate interventions.
- Develop strategies for creating effective early intervention plans that can make a lasting difference in a child’s speech development.
- Child Speech Understanding – Gain knowledge of speech and language development stages in children
- Early Identification Skills – Learn to recognize speech delays and communication disorders at an early stage
- Safe Intervention Practices – Apply safe and structured techniques to support children’s speech improvement
- Communication Development Support – Improve children’s ability to express thoughts and emotions effectively
- Behavioral Support Techniques – Understand methods to manage behavior that affects speech learning
- Caregiver Involvement Skills – Learn how to involve parents and caregivers in speech development programs
- Safe Learning Environment – Promote stress-free and supportive environments for better communication growth
- Professional Skill Enhancement – Strengthen career opportunities in childcare, education, and speech support roles
- Ethical Care Practices – Follow responsible and professional standards in child speech therapy support
- Confidence Building in Children – Help children develop confidence in speaking and communication
- Applied Practical Knowledge – Gain real-world skills for working in schools, clinics, and child development centers
- Speech and Language Therapists who want to deepen their knowledge and expertise in working with children, particularly in paediatric speech therapy.
- Childcare professionals such as teachers, nursery staff, and teaching assistants who aim to better support children with speech and language difficulties.
- Educational psychologists seeking to expand their understanding of speech and language development in children and how it affects learning and behaviour.
- Healthcare providers including paediatricians, occupational therapists, and social workers who want to enhance their ability to identify and address speech and language issues in children.
- Parents and caregivers who are looking to gain a better understanding of speech and language development, and how to support their child’s communication skills at home.
- Students or graduates in related fields such as psychology, education, or health and social care, interested in specialising in child speech therapy.
- Special education professionals looking to incorporate speech therapy strategies into their support for children with special educational needs.
This course is designed for anyone with an interest in supporting children’s speech and language development, whether in a professional healthcare, educational, or support setting.
