Communication starts from a baby’s first cry and continues as the baby uses facial expressions, body movements, and gestures to communicate. Babies and toddlers develop at different rates, but certain milestones are expected to be reached by certain ages. Early intervention involving caregivers is critical for best outcomes. Our goal is to assist in the prevention, identification, and treatment of speech and language difficulties in young children. We will support caregivers with how to help their children learn to communicate during every day experiences and routines.
Children’s brains develop very quickly in the early years. There are four things you can do to help your child build their brain:
Talk
Talk with your child throughout the day. Tell them the steps you are taking to make dinner. Describe what you are doing while you are doing it, “First we put on your coat. Now we are putting on your shoes.” Talk about what you are thinking. Talk. Talk. Talk.
Read
Read every day, at different times of the day. Read with your child snuggled up on the couch. Read with your child while they are playing in front of you. Read children’s books, non-fiction books, poetry, and wordless books. Make reading a fun and joyful experience.
Sing
Sing songs with your child. Make up silly songs or sing songs you know. Sing in the car. Sing in the bath. Just sing.
Play
Really play with your child. Get down on the floor, get your own toy and join in on the fun. Crash your car into theirs. Pretend you are wild animals in the jungle. Do puzzles. Let them lead the play and follow what they are doing. Have fun!
Need some ideas or inspiration? Check out these links:
Read, speak, sing to your baby
Choosing books for babies and toddlers