SAILL Preschool Program

Our SAILL Preschool program is growing, and we want to share all the wonderful details with you! SAILL stands for Speech and Integrated Language for Literacy and is designed for children needing intensive speech and language services, regardless of hearing loss. Our focus is to build language development that will create a strong foundation for literacy.

Program Details

When a child struggles with speech delays or language impairments past two years of age, they may need more intensive intervention than the typically prescribed one hour per month that is offered through other programs.

SAILL is delivered by a team of master early childhood educators who collaborate with licensed speech language therapists and teaching assistants. Together, they create a program that immerses children in an environment with language-rich strategies and techniques to help close the gap in learning. If necessary, occupational and physical therapists are available to address the needs of gross and fine motor skills.

SAILL is registered as a licensed preschool by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh. Shadyside is a safe community with easy access from all parts of the Pittsburgh region. DePaul School has welcomed students from far and wide to this neighborhood for over 22 years.

Through our national social-media marketing campaigns, DePaul has received inquiries from families nationwide, indicating that programs of this nature are much needed and non-existent. Families have even relocated from other states to enroll their children in SAILL. Children who enroll in the SAILL program have identified speech delays, language deprivation, or need intensive intervention to address communication disorders. This program focuses on building language development that will create a strong foundation for literacy.

This immersive language-rich learning environment is designed to nurture and enrich communication and reading skills in preparation for kindergarten. Children with significant behavioral challenges may be better served in a program that addresses those needs directly. SAILL is designed to address intensive speech delays and language development needs.

What are some of the services offered through SAILL?

The SAILL Preschool Program offers highly specialized services and smaller class size ratios, yet it costs much less than other private preschools in the Shadyside and greater Pittsburgh areas.

• The curriculum is focused on literacy and language and follows the Pennsylvania State Standards for Preschool.
• Intensive individual speech and language therapy is available.
• Specifically trained staff including an early childhood educator and speech therapist.
• Small class sizes allow educators to meet the unique needs of each student.

Who can enroll in SAILL?

Participants are young children in preschool with speech and language challenges, which may include, but are not limited to those:

• experiencing significant delays in speech and language,
• requiring a specialized preschool curriculum focused on speech, language, and literacy to prepare for kindergarten,
• diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), and
• learning English as their second language (ESL).

How much is the tuition?

Invest in your child’s future! We are committed to giving each child the opportunity to speak and have their voice heard. *SAILL is an 11-month program with the opportunity for financial aid to families who qualify.

Three/Four-Year-Old Program Rates for 2024-2025

• Monday through Thursday, 9:00-11:30 am or 12:30-3:00 pm
  $744 per month ($8,184 per year*)

Four/Five-Year-Old Program Rates for 2024-2025

• Monday through Thursday, 9:10 am-2:35 pm
  $1,408 per month ($15,488 per year*)

I’m interested in enrolling my child, what do I do now?

Success in the early years of schooling has a life-long impact! If you are ready to fill out the SAILL Registration of Interest form, click here. There is a $30 non-refundable registration of intent fee that must be paid when submitting this form. Drop this form off at DePaul or mail it in. Our address is 6202 Alder Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-4389.

If you have any questions about SAILL and our enrollment process, please call us at 412-924-1012 or complete our contact form. We look forward to speaking with you!