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
If you prefer a brochure in another language, please contact your local S-LP to see if one is available.