At Wings on Words, our mission is to provide specialized early intervention programs to improve speech, language and literacy learning for young children because talking really does mattter.

Our team of professionals provides an exceptional and effective learning environment, where teachers and speech-language specialists work side-by-side.

The Center also supports research, clinical education and professional training in speech-language pathology and early childhood development in affiliation with the University of Arizona’s Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

The CLC’s clinical education and research mission is carried out in partnership with the University of AZ, Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences through graduate student training in speech-language pathology, undergraduate service-learning in the early childhood environment and on-going implementation research.

August – May
Our early childhood preschool program is designed to give children access to crucial learning experiences and speech—language therapy services foundational to successful language, literacy and social-emotional development.

Since 1989, the Child Language Center (CLC) has provided early childhood education and clinical services to over 2000 children from the Tucson Metropolitan area, and from Pima and Santa Cruz counties.

The school was twice recognized (in 2018 and 2021) as exceeding state performance standards and maintains the highest (5-Star) recognition by Quality First of Arizona. Quality First, a signature program of First Things First of Arizona, partners with childcare and preschool providers to improve the quality of early learning across Arizona.

Enrollment eligibility

All children must meet the following entrance criteria:

• Between 2.5-5 years old
• Age-appropriate nonverbal cognitive skills.
• With the exception of speech or language disorders, have no identified neurological disorders.
• Provide proof of up-to-date immunizations.
• Have completed enrollment information on file.
• Independent toileting skills (for Preschoolers only).
• Because of the philanthropic goals of the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation and our ongoing affiliation with research programs in the UA Dept. of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, the school’s enrollment is limited to:
  • Children with normally developing language skills; and
  • Children with developmental language disorder (DLD), phonological disorder, or speech delay/disorder.
• We work to help families secure the best services for their children when needs are recognized that are beyond our scope of practice.
• Children who require more than speech and language therapy services are referred to programs in our community. These include public school programs, and other community agencies that provide specialized services for young children.
•  We advocate for all young children, but we do not provide a comprehensive program to meet all special education needs.

Click here to schedule a tour.
Click here for application, fee schedule and scholarship information.

Sept – June
For children enrolled in our preschool, individual, small group, and classroom-based services are conveniently provided as part of the preschool day for an additional fee.

Speech-language pathologists work side-by-side with experienced early childhood educators to improve and enhance speech-language development. Free screening is available. Evaluations typically occur prior to enrollment. Treatment plans (if needed) are based on the child’s needs and collaboratively implemented with classroom teacher and parents.

Therapy services are provided or supervised by state licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologists. SLP Assistants and graduate student clinicians enrolled in UA’s Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences also provide individual and small group services under the supervision of our SLPs.

The WOW UA- RiteCare Clinic provides evidence-based therapy services – evaluation and treatment – for children who are not already enrolled in the WOW preschool. Services are provided or supervised by state licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologists. SLP Assistants and graduate student clinicians enrolled in UA’s Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences also provide individual and small group services under the supervision of our SLPs.

To schedule a speech-language evaluation, consultation or get started with speech therapy services, please call the school at (520) 628-1659 or CLICK HERE.

The clinic is proudly supported in part by Scottish Rite Freemasonry – Valley of Tucson – Orient of Arizona, the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation and Masonic Charities of AZ. There are currently 178 RiteCare clinics, centers, and special programs operating or planned for children, and therapists located throughout the United States.

June
Enrollment begins March 15th. WOW Summer Soaring Camp is a language and literacy-focused day camp experience for children (ages 3-5 & 6-8 years old) to develop and enhance foundational literacy skills. Intensive speech-language therapy services are included as needed

2022 Summer Camp dates: June 1 – 29

Enrollment begins in late January for children currently enrolled in our preschool, and opens March 15th for all others. Enrollment is offered on a first come, first served basis and seats are limited.

To complete a Summer Camp application, CLICK HERE.