Children develop at different rates but if children are behind for their age, it is best to get help early.
Use communication milestones to find out if your child needs help developing their speech and language skills.
If you answer no to any of the questions, consider making a referral to have your child seen by a speech-language pathologist.
By 6 months does your child: |
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By 9 months does your child: |
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By 12 months does your child: |
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By 18 months does your child: |
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By 24 months does your child: |
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By 30 months does your child: |
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By age 3 does your child: |
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By age 4 does your child: |
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This milestone checklist is from the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services website.
Complete this checklist to help you decide if your child needs a referral to Early Expressions:
Listening skills and understanding of language |
Refer to Early Expressions if you answer yes to one or more of the items in this section:
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How your child talks: |
Refer to Early Expressions if you answer "Yes" to the first question or answer Yes to 2 of the 4 other questions in this section.
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How your child pronounces sounds: By 3 to 4 years of age, 80 to 90 percent of what a child says should be easily understood by a listener. |
Refer to Early Expressions if you answer "Yes" to one of the questions in this section.
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Fluency and stuttering: It is not unusual for children of 3 or 4 years of age to have hesitations and easy repetitions of whole words and phrases. Changes in fluency are to be expected during periods of emotional upset. |
Refer to Early Expressions if you answer "Yes" to 2 or more questions in this section.
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Voice: |
Refer to Early Expressions if you answer "Yes" to both questions in this section.
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Early literacy skills: |
Refer to Early Expressions if you have concerns in this area.
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To make a referral to Early Expressions Preschool Speech and Language program, complete our online referral form.
Referrals can also be made by phone at 613-546-3854 or 1-800-267-7875 ext. 1105.
Adapted with permission from the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board -Staff Development, Evaluation and Research Department.