Speech and language development for children

Catching and treating speech and language difficulties early is essential for a child’s optimal learning, social development and emotional health.

Services are tailored to each child’s age and abilities. Even young infants with communication development concerns can benefit from speech and language services.

View our guidelines representing different stages of a child’s speech and language development. They will help you determine if your child should be referred.

• Screen, monitor and assess communication abilities.
• Develop treatment plans to identify communication goals.
• Show parents how to encourage their child’s communication skills.

Cost: Free

Age: Children 0-5 years.

Parents who have concerns about their child’s communication abilities can self-refer for this service. Please tell your doctor if you self-refer and make an appointment with one of our speech-language pathologists. That will help your doctor provide you with ongoing care.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s speech and language development you can make a referral over the phone or drop-off / fax over a completed referral form at your nearest speech clinic. If you are unsure if a referral is needed you can visit a Speech Referral Drop-in Clinic. This clinic is best suited for children of preschool aged (zero to five years) who have not yet been referred. Clients are seen on a first come, first served basis for a brief five to 10 minute meeting with the speech-language pathologist. A brief screening will be completed and suggestions will be provided on how to best support your child’s communication development. Please refer to our 2024 Speech Referral Drop-in Clinic schedule (updated September 17, 2024) and 2025 Speech Referral Drop-in Clinic schedule for locations and times.

If your child is starting kindergarten soon, you may be directed to refer to your school district’s speech-language pathologist or can chose to look into a private pay practice.