First Words & Friends
A warm, play-based space where friends are made and language grows
First Words & Friends is a small-group class for toddlers ages 2 and under (give or take) and their caregivers. Led by a licensed and certified speech therapist, you'll learn how to support your child's speech and language through play, songs, and everyday routines. All while your child gets to meet and play with friends their age.
No pressure. Show up as you are. And learn some simple, practical ways you can grow your child's language at home, every day.
Only 5 spots (caregiver-child duo) available for our first class!
First Words & Friends is an educational and enrichment group, not a substitute for individual speech therapy or a formal evaluation.
We're kicking things off with a single first class, and we'd love for you and your little one to be part of it.
When: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Time: 4:15–5:00 PM
Location: Magro Speech Therapy office at 301 N. Union Street, Olean, NY
Founding Family Pricing: $25 (covers 1 caregiver + 1 child)
A Word From Marissa
As a mom and an SLP, I understand the deep desire to help your child learn, communicate, and thrive. I also know just how scary and isolating those early toddler years can be. This class has been a long time in the making, and I'm beyond excited to jump in.
Parenthood is already full of worries. This class aims to give parents simple, actionable tips they can use daily, and turn the "is there something I can do?" worry into "I have a trick for that."
In the spirit of doing it scared and doing it imperfect, we're offering our first several classes at a founding-families discounted price. I'm hoping to find the right families to learn alongside me and help me grow to support more families and little ones in meaningful ways.
While we are starting with single classes, I would love to see First Words & Friends become a recurring class or a structured cohort where you build and learn alongside a newfound village of parents and caregivers in the throes of it all, just like you.
-Marissa Magro, MS.Ed., CCC-SLP
What To Expect
Each 45-minute class is designed to feel like playtime because that's exactly how toddlers learn best. You'll leave not just with a happy toddler, but with real strategies you can carry into snack time, bath time, and everything in between.
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Your toddler explores toys, textures, and activities at their own pace, following their natural curiosity rather than a set curriculum. This is where real communication moments happen, when kids are engaged and having fun!
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Simple, repetitive songs and movement games build language patterns and are a perfect opportunity for connection. Repetition is where toddler learning really sticks.
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Walk away with small, doable techniques that you can use in your day to day life. Learn how these simple additions can fit naturally into your daily routine, no flashcards required.
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You make friends, your kid makes friends… as a parent, you know this is gold!
Swap notes, ask questions, and share the small wins (and the hard days) with other parents who are right there with you in this stage.
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Each class will have time for your burning questions and individualized suggestions based on your and your child’s needs.
Who Is The Group For?
Our first group is designed for children ages 2 and under (give or take). It's a space to learn together. No experience or "readiness" required, just curiosity and a willingness to play. Each registration covers 1 caregiver and 1 child.
This group may be a good fit for children who:
Are not yet talking or are beginning to use their first words
Communicate primarily through gestures, sounds, signs, or pointing
Become frustrated when they can’t communicate what they want
Would benefit from an opportunity to play with kids their age
Have a caregiver that is interested in learning more about how to best support their communication development
Interested, but not sure if it’s for you? Click below to send us a message!
Still have questions?
Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go lock in your spot before they’re gone!
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No. First Words & Friends is an educational, play-based enrichment group, not individual speech therapy and not a formal evaluation. If you have specific concerns about your child's communication development, we're glad to talk through what next steps might look like for your family.
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That's completely normal and expected! Toddlers learn through movement and play, not by sitting quietly. There's no "right" way to participate! You will be encouraged to follow your child’s lead and meet your child wherever they are that day. Structured group activities will be very limited, and short in duration.
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Most of class will entail open play opportunities for you to engage with your child given guidance and strategies from an SLP in the moment; as well as open-play for the children to explore independently and with new friends.
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Yes. This is a caregiver-and-child class. Part of what makes it valuable is that the coaching is for you, so you can keep using these strategies long after class ends.
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Each registration covers 1 caregiver and 1 child. If you'd like to bring additional family members, just reach out! We're happy to see what we can do depending on availability.
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We hope so! This first class will help us figure out what comes next, whether that's a recurring class or a more structured cohort. If you'd like to be part of it, let us know!