|
Monthly Newsletter
November 2026
|
We're thankful for our community! Check out another fun-filled newsletter with news and updates about our company, our services, and our team. We hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter and that it helps you stay up-to-date with everything going on in the Language Essentials Community!
|
|
|
|
|
Thank You for Being a Friend!
|
November is here, bringing cozy gatherings, Thanksgiving traditions, and opportunities to make special memories with family and friends! In this month’s newsletter, we’re exploring how speech and occupational therapy can help children navigate the excitement and changes that come with the holiday season. We’ll share practical tips for supporting communication, sensory needs, and feeding challenges during family gatherings, along with simple ways to make holiday traditions more comfortable, inclusive, and enjoyable for your child. Whether you’re preparing for a busy Thanksgiving dinner or finding new ways to help your child participate in family celebrations, we’re here to help make the holidays a little easier, more meaningful, and full of connection for everyone.
|
|
|
|
⚠️A Few Friendly Reminders: Attendance & Make-Up Sessions
As a reminder, per the Attendance and Make-Up Policy you signed, missed regular sessions are required to be made up. Please note that make-up sessions are not guaranteed to be with your child’s regular therapist, and we encourage families to remain open to working with other members of our clinical team!
Working with different therapists can be a wonderful benefit for your child! It provides opportunities to practice skills with new communication partners, build flexibility and confidence, generalize skills across different settings and people, and learn from therapists with different strengths and approaches. These experiences help children use the skills they develop in therapy in everyday life.
Please remember that if a required make-up session is not completed, the applicable charge outlined in our signed policy will apply. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership in helping your child make consistent progress!
⚠️Change in Coverage?
Has your insurance provider or coverage changed recently? Please let our administrative team know as soon as possible so we can update your file, verify your benefits, and help prevent any interruptions to your services.
Thank you for helping us keep your information up to date! We appreciate your partnership in ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted therapy experience for your family.
|
Leave Us A Review
Love your experience at Language Essentials?
We'd be so grateful for a review!
Your feedback not only means the world to our team—it helps other families in our community find the speech and occupational therapy services they need. By sharing your experience, you're helping parents feel confident in taking the next step for their child.
Click your office location below to leave a Google Review:
Livermore Office • San Ramon Office • Tracy Office
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Tips & Talking Tricks
|
Helping children with sensory sensitivities, feeding challenges, and communication differences enjoy the holidays
Thanksgiving brings family, fun, and plenty of food—but unfamiliar dishes, strong smells, busy rooms, and changes in routine can make holiday meals overwhelming for some children. A little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and included.
1. Keep familiar favorites on the menu.
Include at least one food your child comfortably eats. New foods can be offered without pressure, and simply looking at, smelling, or touching something unfamiliar can be a step toward exploring it.
2. Prepare for sensory overload.
Bright lights, overlapping conversations, and strong food smells can be a lot to process. Consider a quieter seating area, a familiar plate or utensil, noise-reducing headphones when appropriate, or a quiet break away from the table.
3. Let your child be part of the preparation.
Washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, setting the table, or arranging napkins provides opportunities to practice fine motor skills, follow directions, and explore new textures at their own pace.
4. Make communication easier.
Practice simple phrases, signs, or AAC messages such as “more,” “all done,” “help,” and “break.” Give your child extra time to respond, and let them participate in conversations in whatever way works best for them.
5. Take the pressure off eating.
Avoid comparing children, insisting on “just one bite,” or making dessert a reward for eating other foods. Focus on connection and participation rather than an empty plate. A successful holiday meal looks different for every child!
6. Plan ahead and share expectations.
Let family members know what helps your child feel safe and comfortable. Bring familiar foods, follow your child’s established feeding plan, and remember that taking a break is perfectly okay.
A little reassurance goes a long way. Every child deserves to feel welcome at the holiday table, whether they try something new or stick with their favorite foods. If eating is consistently stressful or you have concerns about chewing, swallowing, or limited food variety, your pediatrician and a qualified feeding specialist can help.
From your friends at Language Essentials: Wishing your family a happy, comfortable, and connected Thanksgiving!
|
|
|
|
Halloween Happenings at Language Essentials!
Our offices were filled with Halloween fun, adorable costumes, and the cutest little trick-or-treaters! From festive decorations to practicing those trick-or-treating skills, our kiddos made this Halloween season extra special. 👻 Take a peek at our video for a little glimpse of all the spooky, silly, and sweet fun we shared. We loved celebrating with our amazing families!
|
Thank You for Making Halloween More Inclusive! 🎃
A heartfelt thank-you to all the local businesses who displayed our Halloween Trick-or-Treat AAC visual supports! By helping make these communication tools available, you’re making Halloween more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for children of all communication abilities. Your support helps more children participate, communicate, and enjoy the magic of trick-or-treating. Thank you for being part of a community that celebrates every child! 💜
We'd like to do a special shout out to the business that put out our AAC Visual Support Aids!
Halloween Outlet- Livermore & Tracy
Spirit Halloween- Dublin, Pleasanton
The Quirky Crow Bookstore- San Ramon
|
|
|
|
Follow us on Social Media
|
|
|
|
Reminder, we will be open on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th.
🦃 Thanksgiving Holiday Closure
Language Essentials will be closed Thursday, November 26, through Friday, November 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We hope your family enjoys a wonderful holiday filled with warmth, connection, and special moments together!
Regular therapy sessions will resume Monday, November 30. We’re thankful to be part of your family’s journey and wish you a happy Thanksgiving!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Select Days to Celebrate in November:
• November 1st Día de los Muertos &
Daylight Saving Time Ends
• November 8th Diwali
• November 11th Veterans Day
• November 13th World Kindness Day
• November 26th Thanksgiving- CLOSED 🦃
• November 27th Holiday Break- CLOSED
• November 30th Regular Sessions Resume
|
|
|
|
|
|
At Language Essentials, we are working on building an active community between the practice and our wonderful clients, you! What are some things you'd be interested in seeing in our newsletters? Suggestions? Reach out to Eric, our Marketing Liaison here: eric@languageessentials.net
Have you followed us on social media yet?
Stay connected with us:
Facebook & Instagram
|
|
|
|
|
|
• Please remember to help us keep a clean and quiet lobby for all our friends! We appreciate your help in keeping an inviting space for us all.
• Schedule Change? Vacation? Let us know!
Help us avoid any fees for you! Call us and ask for our Scheduler, Nikka. 925-743-3322
• Billing Help? Need a receipt, statement, or question about charges? You can direct any and all of your billing questions to: billing@languageessentials.net
|
|
|
|
|
|
We want to thank all who participated and really embodied the Halloween spirt making it a fun experience for clients and staff alike, thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
Check Out Some of Our Team
|
|
|
|
Thank you for being a valued member of the Language Essentials Community.
|
Questions? Email us at admin@languageessentials.net
Questions relating to privacy and the protection of your personal
information should be sent to admin@languageessentials.net
Suggestions for social media & the newsletter?
Email Eric at eric@languageessentials.net
|
Language Essentials | 210 Porter STE 120, San Ramon, CA 94583
|
|
|
|
|
