Business Details
33 Years
experience
Valley Speech Language & Learning Center in Brownsville
Valley Speech Language & Learning Center has been a trusted resource for academic language and literacy achievement since 1993. Founded by Dr. Elsa Crdenas-Hagan, a Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Academic Language Therapist, we specialize in comprehensive speech, language, and academic evaluations for students. Our evidence-based treatment programs are designed to address individual learning needs while empowering families and educators with specialized strategies.We provide professional development for teachers implementing biliteracy programs and offer curriculum design consultations to school districts. Our mission to educate and empower drives our commitment to delivering empirically validated interventions and fostering successful language and literacy outcomes for English learners.
Services
Speech Evaluations
Language Therapy
Academic Support
Professional Development
Esperanza Program
WELLS Program
WOW Program
JELL Program
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of experience in bilingual speech therapy and literacy development
- Our programs combine clinical research with practical classroom implementation strategies
- We offer evidence-based interventions validated through longitudinal studies
- Our team includes certified academic language therapists and dyslexia specialists
- We provide customized curriculum design consultations for school districts
Associations and certifications
- CERI Structured Literacy Interventionist Certification
- Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) Certified Academic Language Practitioner
Services
Speech Evaluations
Our comprehensive evaluations identify specific language and literacy challenges through 1-3 sessions. We analyze phonological awareness, reading fluency, and comprehension skills to create personalized treatment plans. Results are reviewed with families and school staff to ensure coordinated intervention strategies.
Esperanza Program
This structured Spanish language program supports struggling readers through multisensory techniques. Developed by Dr. Crdenas-Hagan, it builds foundational literacy skills while addressing cross-linguistic relationships. The curriculum aligns with evidence-based practices for bilingual education and dyslexia intervention.
Professional Development
We offer specialized training for implementing biliteracy programs like WELLS and JELL. Sessions cover effective interventions for English language learners and strategies for transitioning students to English instruction. Training includes practical implementation guidance and curriculum adaptation techniques.
Curriculum Design
Our consultants provide customized literacy program design for school districts. Services include bilingual program structuring, assessment system development, and teacher support frameworks. We help institutions implement research-backed literacy initiatives aligned with state standards and dyslexia guidelines.
Parent Workshops
These sessions equip families with strategies to support language development at home. We explain assessment results, demonstrate intervention techniques, and provide resources for reinforcing literacy skills. Workshops emphasize collaboration between families, educators, and therapists.
People
Dr. Elsa Crdenas-Hagan
Director
Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Academic Language Therapist with 30+ years experience. Developed the Esperanza Spanish literacy program and conducts research on bilingual literacy development. Vice President of the International Dyslexia Association and expert in dyslexia intervention for English learners.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We work with preschool through high school students needing speech, language, and literacy support.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance but can provide documentation for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
How long are therapy sessions?
Initial evaluations require 1-3 sessions, with treatment plans tailored to individual student needs.
Are your programs research-based?
All programs are evidence-based, developed through longitudinal studies funded by NICHD and IES.
Do you offer virtual services?
We provide online training sessions and virtual consultations for educators and school districts.
What certifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes Certified Academic Language Therapists and CERI-certified literacy specialists.