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.
?Speech and Language Services - Vancouver Community Referral Form
?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: Stuttering
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