Services can be provided in English, Hindi, and Punjabi
How do I get started?
To begin, please download our referral form here and email it to: kkakar@childrenshearing.ca. Our Speech-Language Pathologist will contact you as soon as possible to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. During this consultation, we'll discuss your child’s needs, the services we offer, our pricing structure and answer any questions you may have. Please note that we may have a waitlist in which case, we’ll let you know if the program is nearing full. We try our best to help families in whichever way we can and as fast as we can.
When and where do sessions take place?
We offer both in-person sessions at our Centre in Vancouver and virtual sessions throughout BC, depending on the family’s preferences and your child’s needs. Additionally, our Speech-Language Pathologists can travel to daycare and preschool locations for meetings and observations when required. Our office hours are Mon to Fri 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
How much does it cost?
For detailed information about our fees, funding options, and more, please contact our Speech-Language Pathologist to request the Private SLP Family Handbook. We are also happy to assist families in completing applications for various funding options available. Please note that we do not currently provide autism assessments or services for children under RASP autism funding.
Do caregivers join sessions?
Yes, caregivers are actively involved in therapy sessions. Our therapy includes caregiver coaching, empowering you to support your child's progress at home. Consistent follow-through between sessions is a key factor in ensuring continued progress in therapy.
When should I seek help for my child and when should I “wait and see”?
We advise against a “wait and see” approach for young children, as early intervention is crucial for those showing delays or differences in language development. If you’re unsure whether your child should see a Speech-Language Pathologist, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
If your child isn’t yet in elementary school and you’re seeking private speech and language services, we recommend also self-referring to your local public health Speech Language Pathologist. Many families pursue private services while on public waitlists.
Kindly refer to the language milestones below to better understand typical speech and language development and determine if your child may benefit from our support:
Click here for more information about milestones.
Is there a waitlist for the private SLP program?
While we strive to accommodate all families as quickly as possible, there may be a waitlist if the program is at full capacity. If there is a waitlist, we prioritize families based on the order their applications are received and will notify you promptly. While on the waitlist, we encourage families to explore other resources or activities that support their child’s development. Our team is happy to provide recommendations or general guidance during this time. Please ensure we have your updated contact information so we can reach you quickly when a spot opens up.
Konika Kakar, RSLP, has been working with infants and children with diverse abilities for over 10 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, which has provided her with the expertise to assess and treat a wide range of communication and hearing disorders.
Her career spans roles in clinical practice, teaching, and program coordination. Konika provides family-centred therapy services in English, Hindi, and Punjabi to infants and young children diagnosed with hearing loss, fluency disorders like stuttering, speech sound disorders, apraxia, language delays, neurodivergence (such as autism, ADHD), literacy difficulties, and other speech and language disorders. She has also worked extensively with neonatal hearing screening programs, collaborating with families, hospitals, and nursing homes to ensure timely support and intervention.
In academia, Konika served as an Assistant Professor at Bangalore University and as a Visiting Lecturer in Delhi, India. She taught bachelor’s students subjects such as Childhood Communication Disorders, Fluency Disorders, and Anatomy & Physiology of Neurogenic Language Disorders. She also led various clinical research projects and served as the Head of the Clinical Speech OPD department during her tenure. Her research paper titled “Effect of Musical Experience on Cochlear Frequency Resolution: An Estimation of PTCs, DLF, and SOAEs” was published in ‘The Journal of International Advanced Otology’ in 2021.
Konika has done additional training in the rehabilitation and education of children with hearing loss through the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language. She has also completed the "Facilitating Language through Natural Activities" certification course (Listening Together LSL-StEP). She is certified by Hanen to deliver It Takes Two to Talk® – The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children with Language Delays. She is currently pursuing her Listening and Spoken Language (LSLS) certification from AG Bell Academy.
Currently, Konika works as a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Children’s Hearing & Speech Centre of BC. She focuses on providing evidence-based, family-centered care to support children with diverse communication needs in achieving their full potential. Her approach is centred around the child and their family, aiming to educate and empower caregivers to be effective participants in the intervention process. Outside of her work, her interests lie in entrepreneurship, reading articles/ research, watching UFC & soccer, and making jewellery.
Please download our referral form here and email it to kkakar@childrenshearing.ca to reach out to our SLP
