The Estonian Ministry of Education does not recognize diplomas of speech therapists obtained in Russia, which forces specialists to seek work in private clinics.
Andrei Kante, director of Tõnismäe Real School, considers the problem serious. He is sure that now is not the time to lose qualified specialists. It is necessary to create conditions to confirm their qualifications.
“Without quality speech therapy assistance, students' academic performance is decreasing. We will not be able to achieve learning outcomes effectively. Parents sometimes ask how speech problems and math achievement are related. In fact, the connection is direct. Children who don't get this help may have difficulty with the program,” says Kante.
Speech disorders interfere not only with communication, but also with learning. Speech therapists play an important role in children's development. However, there is a shortage of them in Estonia.
School administrators warn that reducing the availability of speech therapy services will affect children's academic performance. This is especially critical during the period of transition to the Estonian language of instruction.
The Ministry of Education is not yet planning additional courses for speech therapists working with Russian-speaking children. Assistance will be available, but mostly on a paid basis, i.e. privately.
Andrei Kante, director of Tõnismäe Real School, considers the problem serious. He is sure that now is not the time to lose qualified specialists. It is necessary to create conditions to confirm their qualifications.
“Without quality speech therapy assistance, students' academic performance is decreasing. We will not be able to achieve learning outcomes effectively. Parents sometimes ask how speech problems and math achievement are related. In fact, the connection is direct. Children who don't get this help may have difficulty with the program,” says Kante.
Speech disorders interfere not only with communication, but also with learning. Speech therapists play an important role in children's development. However, there is a shortage of them in Estonia.
School administrators warn that reducing the availability of speech therapy services will affect children's academic performance. This is especially critical during the period of transition to the Estonian language of instruction.
The Ministry of Education is not yet planning additional courses for speech therapists working with Russian-speaking children. Assistance will be available, but mostly on a paid basis, i.e. privately.