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York Region

Speech therapy for kids in Markham

Markham families register with York Region Preschool Speech and Language, run by Oak Valley Health, and the Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York for broader rehabilitation services.

In Markham the pieces are York Region Preschool Speech and Language (Oak Valley Health) before school, Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York for rehabilitation to age 19, Oak Valley Health (Markham Stouffville Hospital) for hospital clinics, and the York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board once a child is in school. Markham has one of the highest proportions of Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking households in Ontario; the Toronto PSL fact sheet is available in simplified Chinese and the bilingual guide here applies directly.

Speechie plans virtual appointments for Markham families once CASLPO registration is confirmed. Until then, this page maps what is free today.

Free and public options in Markham

  1. 1

    Before school: York Region Preschool Speech and Language

    Run by Oak Valley Health. Free, parent self-referral, birth to school entry. Call 1-888-703-5437.

    York Region PSL publishes free e-learning modules for parents on speech and language development.

  2. 2

    In school: 2 boards

    Ask the teacher for a referral to the board's speech-language pathologist.

    • York Region District School Board
    • York Catholic District School Board

    French-language: Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.

  3. 3

    Any age: Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York

    Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York serves York Region to age 19 and is the SmartStart Hub entry point; families refer directly. Oak Valley Health (Markham Stouffville Hospital) takes physician referrals for specialty clinics, and York Region Public Health runs early-years programs.

Services finder Full Ontario guide

What is different about Markham

York Region's preschool program is run by Oak Valley Health, the hospital network that includes Markham Stouffville Hospital, and it has invested in parent self-help: free e-learning modules on first words, speech sounds and bilingual development are available before and during the wait for assessment.

The Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York works differently from a single-building treatment centre. It coordinates services delivered by partner organizations across York Region and Simcoe County, so a Markham child's rehabilitation may be delivered at a school, a community site or at home.

York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board both have speech-language pathology departments. Markham Public Library's branches run free early literacy programs, and families with Cantonese or Mandarin as a home language can filter the CASLPO register by language when looking at private options.

Hospital

Oak Valley Health (Markham Stouffville Hospital)

Free storytimes

Markham Public Library

French-language boards

Conseil scolaire Viamonde, Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

Private speech therapy in Markham

OHIP does not cover private clinics in Markham; typical 2026 rates are roughly $110 to $180 per hour and $300 to $600 for an assessment (often mid-range in Markham). Verify any clinician on the CASLPO Public Register, then see the cost guide and questions to ask.

Start at home, today

Questions Markham families ask

How do I get free speech therapy for my child in Markham?
Before school, parents refer directly to York Region Preschool Speech and Language, run by Oak Valley Health (1-888-703-5437): no doctor referral, no diagnosis, no fee. Once in school, ask the York Region District School Board or York Catholic District School Board for a speech-language referral, or refer to Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York directly.
Which hospital in Markham has a speech-language service for children?
Oak Valley Health (Markham Stouffville Hospital) is the hospital route in York Region; specialty clinics such as feeding, cleft or voice need a physician referral. For most speech and language concerns the community program (Oak Valley Health) or Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York is the faster door.
Does OHIP cover private speech therapy in Markham?
No. OHIP does not pay for private speech-language pathology in Markham or anywhere in Ontario. Many extended health plans cover part of it, and fees paid to a CASLPO-registered speech-language pathologist qualify for the medical expense tax credit.
Will Speechie offer appointments in Markham?
Speechie plans virtual appointments for Markham families once the clinician's CASLPO registration is confirmed. Until then, use Oak Valley Health and join the waitlist to be notified.

Nearby cities

Vaughan

York Region

Toronto

City of Toronto

Oshawa and Durham Region

Durham Region

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Need help now? Ontario has free options.

Children not yet in school can self-refer to the Preschool Speech and Language Program. No doctor, no fee.

Find your local program