Jessica Balderson is a dedicated professional with a passion for understanding and enhancing child language development, particularly in the birth to 5-year-old population. Graduating from the University of Memphis with a master's degree in 2005, Jessica has since devoted her career to working with young children, focusing on language and literacy development.

Currently pursuing her PhD in literacy at the University of Wyoming, Jessica's research centers on the crucial role of early oral language development in literacy acquisition. She is particularly interested in how narrative tell assessment can provide insights into children's language skills and predict their future reading abilities.

Jessica's work is driven by a desire to improve literacy outcomes for all children, especially those facing challenges. Her research aims to inform early intervention strategies and educational practices that support language development and lay a strong foundation for future academic success.

With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to her field, Jessica is dedicated to advancing our understanding of child language development and promoting literacy skills in young learners.

Areas of Emphasis:

• Developmental Language Disorder
• Hearing Impairment
• Language/Learning Disabilities
• Parent Coaching
• Literacy: Reading/Dyslexia

Ages of Emphasis:

• Birth to Three
• Early Education (Ages 3–5)
• Early Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 6)