Kids First Communication

04/04/2026

The power of communication in all its forms!

03/23/2026

Way to go WSLHA advocacy! SB 5845 was just signed into law by Gov. Ferguson. Here are some of the highlights of the new law:

Senate Bill 5845 (ESSB 5845), which focuses on modernizing and strengthening timely payment requirements for health carriers, aiming to improve cash flow for hospitals and providers.

Key details of the legislation for 2026 include:
Clean Claim Definition & Deadline: Beginning January 1, 2027, carriers and plans for public employees must pay or deny "clean claims" within 30 calendar days of receipt.

Notice Requirement: For claims that are not "clean," carriers must send electronic notice within 21 calendar days of receipt, requesting necessary information or explaining the denial.

Interest on Late Payments: Interest on unpaid clean claims will be charged at 1% per month for the first 60 days following non-compliance, increasing to 1.5% per month thereafter.

Claw back Restrictions: Starting January 1, 2028, carriers are restricted from requesting refunds (claw backs) for payments unless done in writing within 12 months of the original payment (or 18 months for coordination of benefits), excluding fraud cases.

03/11/2026

Research into social behavior and the link to our gut's microbiome!

A $9 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences will help UO researchers understand more deeply how the microbiome influences the development of social behaviors and vice versa. That connection could give insight into neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism in humans

11/10/2025

ScaleSmart Academy is a program that teaches clinicians how to earn beyond direct service! It's a movement towards increasing our earning potential, value & impact... not to mention building a community! I am proud to be a member!

07/30/2025

Looking for some new resources for your waiting room or for therapy sessions?? (Or even your own kids) 📖
Join me for a Paper Pie "Book Look" and find so many fantastic books for toddlers - elementary ages.
Interested?
Just LIKE or comment "ME" for more info!

05/20/2025

This is the WHY behind Kids First Communication.

04/01/2025

This is such an interesting and thought provoking discussion about AI in healthcare. As a provider, I know that there are ways that AI makes my job easier, but the knowledge I gain in patient interactions isn't something that could be replicated by technology!

Artificial intelligence is seeping into nearly every field, including health care. But with the technology’s rise in popularity, some researchers are asking: Just because you can use it, should you

03/24/2025

Preschoolers learn how to handle emotions by watching us!
If you want them to manage big feelings, show them how.
Feeling excited? Say, "I'm so excited! I'm going to do a happy dance." (Kids love silliness 🤪)
Feeling scared? Try, "I feel nervous, so I'm going to take a deep breath."

When you model emotional skills in everyday moments, kids pick them up.
With time, they'll start using these tools too!

01/26/2025

That's right! We communicate up to 70% of our message non-verbally (not using words)!

So our face, hands, eyes, and body are ALL saying things when our mouth isn't.

Gestures (like waving 👋)
Facial expressions (like 🤔 or 😉)
And even Eye Contact all convey emotions, clarify our words, and even explain our silence!

Remember- your body speaks even when you don't!

How do YOU use non-verbal communication??

Comment and tell me 🗣

01/15/2025

Kids First Communication is a private practice serving the Kent, WA community. I've been an SLP for 30 years and in private practice for 29 of those!

Excited for a new challenge this year! 🎉

A 10-week summer ☀️ session with kiddos

AND creating online content to help childcare providers and caregivers navigate late talking and communication delays.

12/19/2024

Wondering about your child's speech? Here are a couple of things to look for!