Our Frequently
Asked Questions

❊ FAQs

Launchpad Warmly
Welcomes Every Family.

You may have a particular question about your child’s development, or you may simply want to help them build their communication, confidence, literacy and learning skills.

You do not need to know which service to choose before contacting us. Tell us a little about your child and your family’s goals, and we will help you find a positive starting point.

Choosing the Right Support

  • Launchpad is for all children and families interested in building communication, connection, confidence, speech, language or literacy skills.

    Families are welcome whether they:

    • Want to take a proactive approach to their child’s development

    • Would like ideas for supporting learning through everyday play and routines

    • Have a particular communication, speech or literacy goal

    • Are looking for reassurance or professional guidance

    • Would like their child to learn and practise alongside other children

    • Prefer personalised support in an individual setting

    Every family has different reasons for joining, and all are welcome.

  • No. Your child does not need a diagnosis, and you do not need a GP referral.

    Families can contact Launchpad directly at any stage. You are welcome to get in touch simply because you would like to learn more about your child’s development or help them continue building their skills.

  • You do not have to make this decision on your own. Complete our short enquiry or registration form and tell us about your child’s interests, strengths and the skills you would like to build.

    We will help you consider whether a term programme, holiday programme, individual service, screening or assessment would be the most helpful place to begin.

    Published age ranges are a helpful guide, but age is not the only factor we consider. We also look at your child’s current skills, interests, participation and family goals.

  • We will read the information you provide and contact you if we would like to learn a little more about your child or family goals.

    We will then suggest a suitable programme, appointment or next step. If you are joining a programme, Launchpad will warmly confirm your child’s place once the enrolment steps and your chosen payment arrangement are complete.

  • Yes. We welcome children with a wide range of personalities, strengths, interests, communication styles and ways of learning, including autistic children and children who communicate using AAC, gestures, signs, sounds, spoken language or a combination of methods.

    We will consider how your child communicates, learns, participates and feels most comfortable. If another service format would offer your child a more positive experience, we will talk through the available options with you.

  • Most Launchpad parent-coaching programmes do not routinely require a screening or assessment. The registration form usually gives us the information we need to help your family choose an age- and stage-appropriate programme.

    Children being considered for Launchpad Sound Lab will begin with a speech-sound screening. This helps us understand your child’s current speech skills and consider whether the group is likely to suit their goals. A full speech-sound assessment will only be recommended when clinically indicated.

    A structured literacy assessment is completed before a child begins any structured literacy service. This helps Launchpad understand your child’s current skills and make sure the group or individual support is thoughtfully matched to them. If your child has recently completed a suitable assessment elsewhere, Launchpad may be able to review that instead.

  • Group programmes are designed for skill-building, participation, parent coaching and shared learning. They are not formal screenings or diagnostic assessments.

    We will naturally notice and celebrate each child’s strengths and progress during the programme. If you would like a more detailed understanding of your child’s communication, speech, language or literacy skills, a separate screening or assessment can be arranged.

  • Parent coaching helps parents and caregivers understand their child’s communication and use helpful strategies during play, routines and everyday family life. This gives children many natural opportunities to practise with the people they know and trust.

    Individual speech-language therapy is more personalised to a child’s specific goals and may include direct teaching, guided practice and tailored home activities.

    Parent coaching may be used on its own, alongside individual sessions or as part of a wider support plan.

  • Yes. Individual parent coaching, speech-language therapy, speech-sound support and structured literacy intervention are available when a one-to-one format feels like the best fit for your child and family.

    If you are unsure where to begin, we are happy to help you compare the options.

  • Sometimes, yes. We can help you decide which programme or service would be the most useful place to begin and whether combining services would feel manageable.

    The aim is to create a plan that feels positive and supportive for your child and family.

  • Children grow and learn in different ways and at different paces. Progress may appear through stronger connection, increased confidence, new communication attempts, clearer speech, a growing vocabulary, greater participation, developing literacy skills or increased enjoyment of learning.

    Parents and caregivers may also feel more confident using helpful strategies at home.

    We will help you recognise and build on meaningful changes. As every child’s journey is individual, progress and timeframes will naturally vary, and particular outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Term-Based Parent-Coaching Programmes

    • Little Signals, Big Connections

    • Words Take Flight

    • Launchpad Language Lab

    • Ready for Take-Off: School Readiness Lab

    • Launchpad Sound Lab

    • Launchpad Reading Lab

    These programmes are open to families who want to build their child’s skills proactively, as well as families with particular communication, speech, language, school-readiness or literacy goals.

  • Yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is an important part of every term-based programme.

    In programmes for younger children, parents or caregivers participate directly in the activities with their child. In programmes for older children, some activities may be more child-focused, with coaching, feedback and home ideas shared with parents or caregivers.

    The exact attendance format will be explained before enrolment. You do not need to arrive knowing what to do—we will support you throughout the programme.

  • We know that several important adults may be involved in a child’s life. Please ask when registering, and we will do our best to include an additional caregiver where space and the programme format allow.

    Resources and home-practice ideas can also be shared with other caregivers so that everyone can support the child in a similar way.

  • We understand that arranging care for siblings is not always easy. Please talk with us before bringing another child so that we can consider the available space, supervision and everyone’s comfort.

  • Term groups are kept small, with a maximum of five enrolled families or children, depending on the programme format.

    This creates a welcoming environment and allows time for participation, observation, parent coaching and individual feedback.

  • That is completely okay. Children are welcome to participate in ways that feel comfortable for them.

    Your child may watch first, move around, take a break, return to a favourite activity or join gradually. We will gently encourage participation while respecting each child’s communication, learning and regulation style.

  • The recap is a relaxed, shared coaching discussion for the parents and caregivers in the group. It gives us time to explain the week’s strategy, answer general questions and help families use the ideas at home.

    Personal or confidential matters are kept outside the group discussion. A separate appointment can be arranged if you would like more individual guidance.

  • We understand that children become unwell and unexpected family situations arise.

    Your child’s place is held for the complete programme, and Launchpad prepares the staffing and resources for them in advance. For this reason, the programme fee covers the full series and is not adjusted when a family misses a session. We are unable to refund, credit, transfer or replace family-missed sessions with a make-up session.

    Where practical, we will share the week’s handout or a brief summary so that you can continue exploring the ideas at home.

  • Before you enrol, Launchpad will share the complete programme fee, available payment choices, payment dates and cancellation or withdrawal terms, so your family can choose the arrangement that feels most manageable.

    If you choose an instalment plan, the programme fee is simply divided into smaller scheduled payments. Your child’s enrolment still covers the complete programme rather than individual sessions.

Holiday Programmes

  • Launchpad holiday programmes offer short, focused opportunities to build skills through play, stories, movement, games and shared activities.

    Programmes may focus on school readiness, early literacy, language, friendship skills, social communication and pragmatic language. Children are welcome whether families are exploring these areas proactively or have particular goals they would like to work towards.

  • Each holiday programme includes five 90-minute sessions.

    A typical session includes approximately 75 minutes of child-focused small-group activities followed by a brief parent or caregiver recap. Families also receive practical ideas to try at home and a brief individual summary at the end of the programme.

  • Holiday programmes are kept small, with four to five children in each group.

    A minimum of four children is needed for a programme to go ahead. If the minimum is not reached and Launchpad cancels the programme, families may move the amount they have paid to another suitable service or receive a full refund.

  • The main 75-minute part of the session is child-focused, so parents and caregivers do not usually join the group activities.

    Please be available for the short recap at the end. Your programme confirmation will explain the arrangements clearly before the programme begins.

  • The fee is $485 per child for the complete five-session programme. Your child’s place will be warmly confirmed once the enrolment and payment steps are complete.

    As the holiday programme is a short five-session series, the programme fee is paid as one amount rather than in instalments.

  • Each session gently builds on the one before it, so children join the programme as a complete five-session series.

    Attending the full series helps children become familiar with the group, build relationships and develop their skills across the programme.

  • We understand that plans can change and children may become unwell.

    Your child’s place and programme resources are prepared for the full series. For this reason, we are unable to refund, credit, transfer or replace a family-missed session. Where practical, Launchpad will still share helpful ideas from the session for your family to enjoy at home.

  • Your confirmation email will explain whether your child should bring any particular clothing, food, drink or resources.

    Please also tell us about allergies, medications, sensory preferences, accessibility requirements or anything else that will help your child feel comfortable and supported.

Individual Services

  • Individual services include:

    • Parent-coaching consultations

    • Speech-language therapy

    • Speech-sound support

    • Communication and language-development sessions

    • Structured literacy intervention

    • Communication screening

    • Speech-sound screening

    • Comprehensive speech-language assessment

    • Speech-sound assessment

    • Structured literacy assessment

    Individual services can be used on their own, alongside a group programme or as part of a longer-term learning plan.

  • No. Individual appointments are available to any family looking for personalised guidance.

    You may book an individual service because you have a particular goal, want to build your child’s skills proactively, would like professional reassurance or prefer a one-to-one setting.

  • The session will be shaped around your child’s age, interests, strengths and goals. It may include play, conversation, movement, books, games, structured learning activities or parent coaching.

    We aim to make sessions welcoming and engaging while giving families practical ideas they can use between appointments.

  • This will depend on your goals and the type of service you choose. Some families may benefit from a one-off consultation, while others may choose a short block or ongoing appointments.

    We will discuss the options with you and review the plan together as your child’s skills and goals develop.

  • Parent and caregiver involvement is warmly encouraged. Depending on your child’s age and the purpose of the session, you may participate throughout, observe part of the session or join a discussion at the beginning or end.

    We will agree on an approach that supports your child and helps you feel confident continuing the learning at home.

  • Current individual-session fees are listed below. Each rate includes GST:

    • 30-minute speech-language therapy: $100

    • 45-minute speech-language therapy: $140

    • 60-minute speech-language therapy: $165

    • 45-minute structured literacy: $140

    Launchpad will confirm the appointment and fee with you before you book. If you would like additional report writing, a professional meeting or extended liaison, Launchpad will explain the cost and ask for your agreement before completing that work.

Screenings and Assessments

  • A screening is a shorter appointment that provides a helpful snapshot of selected communication, speech, language or speech-sound skills. It can highlight your child’s strengths and help your family decide whether a group programme, individual service or fuller assessment would be useful.

    An assessment explores a wider range of skills and provides a more detailed understanding of your child’s communication, speech, language or literacy development. It also includes personalised recommendations and possible next steps.

  • Launchpad offers:

    • Communication screening

    • Speech-sound screening

    • Comprehensive speech-language assessment

    • Speech-sound assessment

    • Structured literacy assessment

    We will help you choose the option that best matches your questions and family goals.

  • Current screening and assessment fees are listed below. Each rate includes GST:

    • Screening, with no report: $155

    • Screening, with a brief summary: $230

    • Assessment, with no report: $320

    • Assessment, with a brief report: $370

    • Assessment, with a full report: $480

    • Complex assessment: from $500+

    Launchpad will help you choose the option that best matches your questions and will confirm the fee before your appointment is booked.

  • A screening usually takes approximately 30 minutes. Activities are selected according to your child’s age and the areas you would like to explore.

    The appointment may include play, conversation, pictures, listening activities and opportunities to use different speech sounds or words. We will talk with you about your child’s strengths, share what we noticed and suggest helpful next steps.

    A screening can be booked without a written report or with a brief written summary, depending on the option you choose.

  • No. For children interested in Launchpad Sound Lab, the screening helps us consider whether the group is a suitable match and which speech skills may be helpful to focus on.

    A full speech-sound assessment will only be recommended when clinically indicated—for example, when more detailed information would help us understand your child’s speech pattern or plan the most suitable support. We will explain our recommendation and discuss it with you before arranging an assessment.

  • An assessment appointment may include:

    • A conversation about your child’s development and family goals

    • Play-based or structured activities

    • Observation of communication, speech, language or literacy skills

    • Formal and informal assessment tools where appropriate

    • A discussion of your child’s strengths and current skills

    • Practical recommendations and possible next steps

    Many assessments take approximately 75–90 minutes. Some children may benefit from a different pace or more than one appointment. We will explain the process beforehand so that you and your child know what to expect.

  • You can choose the report option that best suits your family.

    Depending on the assessment service, this may include a brief written summary or a more detailed report. If your family would find an additional report, school or ECE meeting, or extended communication with another professional helpful, Launchpad can arrange this with you. We will explain the cost clearly and ask for your agreement before completing the additional work.

  • Yes. A screening or assessment can be booked as a stand-alone service.

    Afterwards, we will talk through the findings and available options. You can then decide whether you would like to continue with individual sessions, join a programme, practise the recommendations at home or keep the information for future reference.

Structured Literacy Services

  • Structured literacy is a clear, carefully sequenced way of teaching children how spoken sounds connect with written words.

    Depending on the child’s age and goals, teaching may develop:

    • Phonological and phonemic awareness

    • Letter–sound knowledge

    • Blending and segmenting

    • Word reading and decoding

    • Spelling and written-word patterns

    • Reading fluency

    • Vocabulary and comprehension

    Skills are taught directly, in manageable steps, with plenty of guided practice and review.

  • A structured literacy assessment is completed before a child begins any structured literacy service. This helps Launchpad understand your child’s current reading and spelling skills and plan support that is thoughtfully matched to them.

    This applies to individual structured literacy sessions, the Launchpad Reading Lab and literacy-focused holiday programmes. If your child has recently completed a suitable assessment elsewhere, Launchpad may be able to review that instead. Launchpad will talk you through the next step before making any arrangements.

  • Families receive clear explanations and practical ideas for continuing the learning at home. Activities are designed to be manageable and easy to include in everyday family life.

    The aim is to help children experience success while giving parents and caregivers the confidence to support steady progress.

Practical Information

  • Because our groups are intentionally kept small, some programmes may fill quickly.

    If your preferred group is full, you are welcome to join the waitlist or register your interest in the next intake. We will contact you if a suitable place becomes available.

  • Programmes, screenings, assessments, individual sessions, structured literacy services and parent-coaching appointments are held at:

    Launchpad Child Development Centre
    22 Wear Street, Oamaru

    Families from Oamaru and surrounding areas are warmly welcome.

    Our regular services are clinic-based. When it would be helpful, a home, school or ECE observation or professional meeting may sometimes be arranged. Any additional time or travel costs will be discussed with you beforehand.

  • You are warmly welcome to email Launchpad at admin@launchpadkids.nz. You can also use the enquiry, registration or booking forms on our website.

  • Yes. With your permission, we can communicate with your child’s school, ECE service, GP or other professionals.

    If you would like an additional report, meeting or extended liaison, Launchpad will explain the cost clearly and ask for your agreement before completing the work.

  • If Launchpad is unable to provide a scheduled session or programme, we will contact affected families as soon as possible.

    Depending on the circumstances, we will offer a suitable option such as a rescheduled or make-up session, credit, transfer or refund for the service we were unable to provide.

  • Your family’s privacy is important to us. We collect only the information reasonably needed to provide services, support safety, manage administration and meet our professional and legal responsibilities.

    Information is stored securely and accessed only by authorised people. Our Privacy and Records Policy explains how information is used, how you can request access or corrections, when information may be shared and how to contact us with a question.

  • Launchpad Child Development Centre opens on 12 October 2026.

    Registrations, bookings and waitlist enquiries are warmly welcomed before opening. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

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