Speech Therapy and School Readiness: Preparing Phnom Penh’s Children for Success

Starting school is a major milestone, but for many children in Phnom Penh, speech and language delays can make this transition difficult. A child who struggles to follow directions, express ideas, or ask for help may feel lost in a classroom environment. That’s where early speech therapy becomes crucial—not just for communication, but for building the foundation of learning itself.

At OrbRom Center, we work with children to strengthen the speech and language skills they need to thrive in school settings. From listening comprehension to expressive vocabulary, our speech therapy services support children in Phnom Penh who are preparing to enter preschool or primary school.

How Speech and Language Impact School Readiness
Language is the gateway to learning. Children use it to understand instructions, ask questions, participate in group activities, and build social connections. If a child has trouble with speech or language, school can feel overwhelming and confusing.

Core skills supported by speech therapy include:

• Following directions

• Answering “wh” questions (who, what, where, why, when)

• Expressing thoughts and ideas in complete sentences

• Understanding classroom vocabulary

• Listening and attention skills

At OrbRom Center, we assess these areas and create a therapy plan that strengthens weak points while building confidence and independence.

Speech Therapy for Preschool-Aged Children in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh’s early education landscape is rapidly growing, but many children still arrive at school without the communication skills they need to succeed. Our preschool speech therapy program is designed to close this gap.

We use evidence-based methods to help children:

• Build age-appropriate vocabulary

• Use full sentences in conversation

• Understand classroom routines and expectations

• Interact positively with peers and adults

Each session includes play, visuals, and movement to engage children and promote real-life language use. When appropriate, we collaborate with the child’s school or teacher to ensure skills transfer from therapy into the classroom.

The Role of Parents in School Readiness
Parents are a child’s first teachers. When families are involved in the therapy process, children make faster, more meaningful progress. At OrbRom Center, we offer strategies that parents can use at home to reinforce therapy goals:

• Reading books together and asking open-ended questions

• Encouraging storytelling and pretend play

• Using picture schedules to explain daily routines

• Playing simple board games that require turn-taking and communication

We also recommend sensory tools—like the Sleep Sound Machine—for children who need help calming down or transitioning from one activity to another, especially before school or homework time.

When to Start Speech Therapy Before School
Starting therapy early gives children more time to develop the foundational language skills they need for school. Ideally, children should begin speech therapy at least six months to a year before their first day of preschool or kindergarten if any of the following signs are present:

• Difficulty following two-step instructions

• Limited vocabulary for their age

• Trouble forming complete sentences

• Speech that’s hard for others to understand

• Avoiding group interaction or speaking in class

OrbRom Center provides Assessments to determine your child’s readiness and recommend next steps.

Why Phnom Penh Families Choose OrbRom Center
OrbRom Center is trusted by families across Phnom Penh for its professional, child-friendly approach to speech therapy. We specialize in helping children who are getting ready for preschool or primary school, offering:

• Qualified speech-language pathologists

• Individual and small-group therapy options

• Collaboration with teachers and schools

• A sensory-integrated environment for comfort and focus

Our team understands the local education system and works closely with families to ensure children don’t just get by in school—they thrive.

Linking Speech Therapy with Other Services
Sometimes, delays in speech are part of a broader developmental profile. OrbRom Center also offers:

• Occupational Therapy for attention, motor, or sensory regulation needs

• Preschool Program with inclusive support for children with speech and developmental delays

• Access to sensory tools from our Sensory Shop, such as the Sensory Rocking Chair for better focus at home

By combining therapies when needed, we ensure each child receives holistic, effective support.

Conclusion: A Confident Start Begins with Clear Communication
Starting school is about more than learning ABCs—it’s about learning how to listen, speak, and connect. If your child is preparing to enter preschool or primary school in Phnom Penh, speech therapy can help them start strong.

At OrbRom Center, we’re committed to supporting children on their journey toward school readiness through personalized, engaging, and evidence-based therapy. Let’s work together to give your child the communication tools they need for a successful start.

Explore our Speech Therapy Services and get in touch today.