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Does anyone have advice or opinions about places in Ocala to take a 4 yr. old for speech therapy? I've looked into a couple of places, but don't have any experiences from others yet to help me make a decision. Unfortunately, most places do not take my insurance, so we would be paying out of pocket. I think that MRMC is the only place that will take our insurance, but not sure. Any info. would help. Thanks!

My nephew goes to the MRMC Speech Therapy Center. My sister actually said this past weekend she thought they were doing well teaching him. Although, she did say they were supposed to close down due to funding.

Thanks for the response! Bummer that they may be shutting down! Guess I just need to call and get some details. As for right now, we are going to try a place called GIFTS for the summer and see how much it really helps him. He's not severe, but we'd like to correct as much as possible b4 he starts Kindergarten.

My son used to go at ARC. I am not sure if it is still offered, but he went there for speech therapy. He was only three years old at the time.
http://www.mcarc.com/index.html
2800 S.E. Maricamp Rd.
Ocala, Fl 34471
Tel: 352-387-2210
Fax: 352-387-2216

Thanks for that info. I looked at the website and it's only offered for kids through age 3. Unfortunately, we only have 2 more months w/ a 3 yr. old. Thanks for helping any-how!

I take my daughter to a place called Leaps and Bounds and I'm quite happy there! Call them and see if they can help- 352-237-2236.

Call the ESE department (Exceptional Student Education) at the school system and explain. (I don't remember the department number but the main number is 671-7700 and they can connect you.) My youngest son was at MRMC and then when he turned a certain age (maybe 3?) he went into the school system's program, taking speech at an elementary school a couple of times a week for 30 minutes or so. They decided he needed more intensive therapy, so we enrolled him at MRMC again, only this time on a full-time basis (about 4 hours a day) when he was 4. When he went to kindergarten, he automatically went into the system as a fulltime student in the school's speech services. He's still taking speech at school, once a week for 30 minutes or so. All in all, the early therapy has made a tremendous difference. His speech is excellent, and only every now and then do I have to ask him to repeat, but no more than most kids his age, which is now 7. All the school services were through the state and no charge. But if MRMC is an option, I would start there - they are terrific.

Have you tried TheraKids? They are an incredible group of SLPs. Check out their website at http://therakidsinc.com

I am a speech therapist in the schools. I have worked at MRMC and have friends that work at several other practices. MRMC CommuniKids program is shutting down, but outpatient is still open, but the waiting list is huge. GIFTS is fantastic, and so is the Vineyard. I've heard fantastic things about Leaps and Bounds also. You can take your child to the base school where you are zoned for therapy after she is evaluated - you can call the ESE office of the Marion County School Board to find out how to get an evaluation. It is free to any child that qualifies. The number for GIFTS is 634-GIFT - those girls are great therapists who used to work at MRMC and started their own business.

OOOPS - typo!!! The number for GIFTS is 694-GIFT. I would go to a private practice since summer will be here soon and by the time you have your child evaluated by the schools - it will almost be summer, but for future reference - it's not a bad idea to go that route, since it's free. Hope this helps!

Just an update on the topic....Coop has been going to GIFTS this summer. Next week will be our 4th time and I have already seen a difference. He loves it and his therapist (Jenny Tompkins) is great. It's been a good experience so far.

ocalaspeech...does a child have to go to their home school for therapy or can you request a school?

My kids weren't severe either but I had them evaluated when younger and had them taken to MRMC speech therapy. They are good there, and I ended up being right w/ my kids not being severe that we only had to use the out patient therapy center part. It was a one on one and my daughter was done in 5 months where as my son took longer because of the "s" and "r" syllables he couldn't seem to do. He was there about 8-9 months. Where as a friends son went for the half day classes for a year. So give them a try. Good Luck!

I would recommend Therakids. My daughter went there for almost a year and has been doing better than she has in the past. Recommend to anyone. Very friendly and helpful.

I looked into the Vineyard after reading a post by ocalaspeech who mentioned it. My son is 2 1/2 and needs help when it comes to expressive and receptive communication. Nicki Boyer has been absolutely WONDERFUL!! My son has been going for a little over a month and I have seen a HUGE improvement. Since my insurance company does not cover any cost, finding the Vineyard was a blessing. It is extremely affordable.

Thank you ocalaspeech for your suggestions, it has helped my family tremendously!!