Get .1 ASHA CEU hereIn this episode we had the great pleasure of welcoming Liz Willis, MS, CCC-SLP/L-BCBA and Stephanie Willis, MS, Literacy Specialist onto our show to discuss all things language and literacy. Throughout this episode they remind us that foundations of language play a critical role in literacy development, and while we as SLPs can play a unique and critical role in helping clients and students in improving literacy skills. Liz and Stephanie are sisters with a shared passion for literacy. You can learn more about them and their professional backgrounds here._____According to a 2001 position statement by ASHA, “the reciprocal and multiple relationships between spoken and written language make it appropriate for SLPs to play an integral role in helping children become literate.” Based on this statement and other similar recommendations from ASHA, it appears as though knowledge in the area of literacy is just one more thing to add to the very long list of what we are responsible for as SLPs. But have no fear, we are here to provide you with the information you need to know! In this episode we will provide a beginner’s guide to literacy development for SLPs. We will start by discussing the connection between language and literacy (spoiler alert: it’s very intertwined, especially in the early years), and how the presence of speech and language disorders can impact literacy development. We will also share literacy milestones from birth through preschool age, so that you know what to look for in the assessment or therapy process. Lastly, we will describe the speech therapist’s role in the area of literacy, as well as provide some fun and engaging ways to incorporate literacy-based activities into therapy with your younger population. Our overall goal is to equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to feel confident and excited about supporting your EI and preschool age clients in this area!This episode is offered for 1 ASHA CMH (equal to .1 ASHA CEU). If you have questions about CEUs or how this works, please see our How It Works or ASHA Professional Development pages.Learning Outcomes1. Explain the connection between language and early literacy development, and how the presence of speech and language disorders may impact literacy development2. Identify early literacy milestones from infancy through preschool3. Describe the speech therapist's role in the area of literacy and how to incorporate literacy-based activities into therapy in early intervention through preschoolReferences:American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Roles and Responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists With Respect to Reading and Writing in Children and Adolescents [Technical Report]. Available from https://www.asha.org/policy/ps2001-00104/Roth, F.P., Paul, D.R., & Pierotti, A.M. (2006). Emergent Literacy: Early Reading and Writing Development. Let’s Talk: For People with Special Communication Needs, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved from: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/emergent-literacy/Sices, L., Taylor, H.G., Freebairn, L., Hansen, A., Lewis, B. Relationship between speech-sound disorders and early literacy skills in preschool-age children: impact of comorbid language impairment. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2007; 28(6):438-447. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e31811ff8caSpracher M. M. (2000). Learning about literacy: Speech-language pathologists play key role in reading, writing. The ASHA Leader, 5(1), 1–19.Online Resources:The Language and Literacy Collective Podcast@languageandliteracycollectiveInstagram accounts that review children's books:@theliteracyparty@hereweeread@toddlers.who.read@sunnyseedcoMILESTONES OF EARLY LITERACY DEVELOPMENTGetting Your Child Ready for Reading and WritingDisclosures:Financial: Liz is an employee of a public education entity and owner of Communication and Behavior Solutions. Stephanie is an employee of a public school system. Stephanie also owns a teachers pay teachers store (@