Introduction
As a Special Education Director, I often encounter parents who are eager to support their child's development but are unsure of where to begin. Understanding the milestones of speech and language development is crucial in providing the necessary support for a child's growth. In this blog, we will explore the Speech and Language Development Checklist, a valuable tool for parents and health professionals alike.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Early intervention in speech and language development is essential for a child's overall development. It helps in identifying any delays or issues that may require professional attention. The earlier these issues are addressed, the better the outcomes for the child. This checklist is a practical resource that helps parents and professionals monitor a child's progress and take action when necessary.
How to Use the Speech and Language Development Checklist
During each immunization or well-baby visit, health professionals should ask parents specific questions related to their child's speech and language development. The checklist provides age-specific milestones to guide these discussions. If a child is missing one or more milestones, parents should be referred to Language Express for further evaluation.
- For children aged 3 months: Look for different cries for different needs, cooing and gooing sounds, and response to parent/caregiver voices.
- By 6 months: Check for babbling, recognition of familiar faces, and response to name being called.
- At 12 months: Look for use of 3 to 5 different words and the ability to follow simple instructions.
- By 18 months: Ensure the child uses at least 20 words and understands simple requests.
- At 2 years: Look for a vocabulary of 100-150 words and the ability to follow 2-step instructions.
- By 30 months: Ensure the child uses more than 350 words and understands descriptive words.
- At 3 years: Check for the use of adult grammar and the ability to answer "What" and "Where" questions.
- By 4 years: Ensure the child can tell stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and follow three-step instructions.
Taking Action: Don't Wait and See!
If there are any concerns about a child's speech and language development, it is crucial not to adopt a "wait and see" approach. Parents and health professionals can call 1-888-503-8885 for referrals or complete the Communication Check Up on the Language Express website at www.language-express.ca.
Conclusion
The Speech and Language Development Checklist is an invaluable resource for monitoring a child's progress and ensuring they receive the support they need. By taking action early, parents and professionals can make a significant difference in a child's development.
For more information, please follow this link.
