About the Speech-Language Institute (SLI)
Midwestern University is a teaching facility; therefore, therapy will be provided by graduate-level clinicians and supervised by a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist. Each participant will be paired with a graduate student clinician in order to provide consistency and 1:1 supervision/support.
We provide a full range of speech, language, and swallowing services for individuals with communicative disorders. As an educational facility for graduate students entering the field of speech-language pathology, the Institute maintains high standards in its delivery of comprehensive evaluations and therapy. The Institute serves persons of all ages, from infants to senior citizens.
Preschool program information
The pre-school program is play-based language with focus on children with developmental language disorders. These programs are offered quarterly and applications are required.
- Dates: March 17, 2026 through May 14, 2026
- Registration deadline: February 6, 2026
- Little Sprouts (ages 2-3 years) will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
- Shining Stars (ages 3-5 years) will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Explorers program information
The Explorers program is held in a safe and positive group environment that will support children in monitoring and adapting their social language and understanding and thinking of others.
- Dates: March 11, 2026 through May 20, 2026
- Registration deadline: February 6, 2026
- Explorers (ages 8-13 years) will meet on Wednesdays from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Program Details
- Any evaluation services provided will be billed separately at current Speech-Language Institute rates. Sessions can be billed to insurance pending speech and language diagnosis and a copy of a recent speech and language evaluation if the provider accepts services from the Speech-Language Institute.
- Parents/caregivers are expected to remain on site for the duration of each session so that they can observe participation and progress.
- Applications will continue to be accepted after the registration deadline, however, you will be placed on the waitlist if the group is already at capacity.
- All programs are located at the Speech-Language Institute at 3450 Lacey Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Application Form