Vancouver Coastal Health's Early Childhood Speech-Language Pathologists are committed to making sure children aged 0-5 years reach their full speech, language, and communication potential.
Speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) use a variety of activities to help children learn new speech and language skills. During the first appointment the S-LP will evaluate how well a child is talking and listening. The S-LP looks at: pronunciation, how well the tongue and lips move, how children understand and use language, and if there any voice, hearing, or stuttering problems.
In the therapy sessions the S-LP will:
S-LPs may go to childcare centres and community settings to provide support to teachers and help children communicate better with friends.
These services are free-of-charge. Children entering kindergarten can be referred to a Speech-Language Pathologist at their school.
Anyone who has concerns about a child's speech, language, voice or fluency can refer the child to our speech and language services, with the parents' consent.
After referral, a Speech-Language Pathologist will assess each child. This assessment will help identify the child's speech, language, and communication needs, as well as the type of therapy and information needed.
?Age range: 5 years and under
Developmental chart for hearing and speech checklist
Speak, read, succeed interactive checklist - Richmond Public Library
Brochure: Your child's 18 month checklist
Brochure: Milestones for Speech and Language Development - Birth to 5 Years
Brochure: Baby Talk
Brochure: Early Language
Brochure: Help Your Preschooler's Language Grow
Brochure: Keep Your First Language
Brochure: Peer to Peer Interactions ? Strategies
Brochure: Screen Time and the Young Child
Brochure: Speaking in Sentences
Brochure: Speech Language Pathology - When Do You Refer Your Preschooler
Brochure: Speech Sound Development
Brochure: Starting to Use Words
Brochure: Talking to Your Baby is Important
Brochure: The 3 Year Old Asks
Brochure: The Two Year Old Talks
Brochure: Verbal Reasoning - Making Sense
Brochure: What if my Child is Having Trouble Communicating? - A Speech Language Pathologist Can Help
If you prefer a brochure in another language, please contact your local S-LP to see if one is available.
Video ? Tips to Help Children Learn Language (3 months ? 5 years)
Website: Autism Community Training
Website: Baby's Best Chance - Developmental Milestones
Website: BC Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Website: Speech-Language and Audiology Canada ? Resources for Parents
Website: Information Handouts in Other Languages
Website: The Hanen Centre