Pandemic babies starting school now: 'We need speech therapists five days a week'

As the world slowly emerged from the shadows of the pandemic, a new wave of little learners began to shuffle into classrooms—the so-called "pandemic babies." These children, born during uncertain times and raised in a whirlwind of masks and social distancing, are now stepping into their first day of school with bright eyes and endless curiosity. However, as teachers greet these eager minds at the door, an urgent need has become clear: support for speech development is crucial. With many young children struggling to express themselves after months spent in isolation or virtual learning environments, parents and educators alike are calling out for increased access to speech therapy services. Join us as we explore why these early years matter more than ever and how communities can rally together to ensure that every child gets the help they need to thrive!