Who We Are

As a leader in the field of literacy and language development, Leap Learning Systems brings innovative, research-based programs to underserved classrooms and communities across Chicago and around the country.

Our approach is rooted in the fact that a strong command of language — a healthy vocabulary and the abilities to read and engage in verbal dialogue — has a major influence on students' academic, social and future professional success. We use words as tools to articulate feelings and ideas, resolve conflicts, comprehend academic lessons, apply for jobs and simply be informed about the world around us.

Normal speech and language development is often taken for granted, but it is a cornerstone for academic, social and professional success. Speaking and reading don’t just apply during English or language lessons; they are the basic means required for every academic subject and social interaction. And if a child has poorly developed speech and vocabulary, learning to read becomes a nearly impossible task.

Since 1988, Leap Learning Systems has worked to close this learning gap. Our highly experienced staff of speech-language pathologists and educators brings a holistic knowledge of the cognitive, biological, social, educational and communicative dimensions of language development. From this unique vantage point, Leap Learning Systems creates and implements literacy and language development programs that prepare children to navigate successfully the challenges and opportunities in life.

What We Do

Leap Learning Systems partners with schools and agencies in Chicago and annually reaches about 3,000 educators, students and their families. We provide quality programs and training that help children from preschool through high school build lifelong language and literacy skills.

Students who have underdeveloped language and communication skills – often simply from a lack of early exposure to verbal dialogue and reading – are at a distinct disadvantage. This creates a troubling education gap with implications that can be difficult to reverse, and children left behind face lifelong challenges.

Because early childhood is such a critical time of development, and intervention at this stage can have the greatest impact, much of Leap's work targets preschool students. We also provide programs for elementary, high school and older students that address the needs of those age groups.

Most often, Leap’s program staff comes on-site to work one-on-one with teachers and other educators in their classrooms over a period of weeks or months. Leap provides research-based curricula that is proven to work, and training on how to use it. We also help educators apply techniques that turn day-to-day interactions with students into more meaningful language development occasions, benefiting all aspects of their curriculum.

For older students, Leap's staff works on finer points of language and communication. Oral and written expression, nonverbal communication and the use of Academic English are each essential as students prepare for advanced academic study and professional environments.

In order to be as effective as possible, we continually refine and improve our programs based on measurable results in the students we serve. Our approach is collaborative, and Leap consistently receives high marks from our partners for being knowledgeable, supportive and flexible. Learn more about our Programs.

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