Children understand more words (receptive language) than they use (expressive language). Babies may not understand the meaning of our words at first, but they understand our tone of voice and the situation. Your baby is learning about sounds and how they become words, so use your language, tone of voice and facial expressions to teach them.

Parents know their children best, so they notice if their child’s speech and language development is different from other children the same age. This communication checklist can be used from birth to age four to help you decide if your child needs help with their speech and language development. If you want to ask a question or tell us your concern, call (416) 338-8255.

No. If you think your child has a problem, call right away. Early identification and treatment of speech and language problems will help your child prepare for the future learning demands of a junior kindergarten classroom.

Early signs of language delay should be taken seriously in all children. So if your child is having problems, call us.

Some children do grow out of speech and language delays, but many won't, so do not wait and see. The earlier a problem is discovered and treated, the better the outcome for your child.

No. Children say their first words at about the same age no matter how many languages they live with and learning more than one language can be very beneficial. If you think that your child is delayed in your home language, call us to book an assessment. Also, try not to mix languages so your child can clearly see their differences.

Many children repeat words or phrases as they learn to talk or when they are excited or tired. This can happen for short periods of time and then disappear. However, if you notice that this is happening frequently and for more than a few months - call us.

No. Parents can self-refer by calling us directly at 416-338-8255 when they have a concern. Parents generally know their child best and if you are concerned about your child's speech and language development do not hesitate to call.

If you have any concerns about your child's speech and language development and are wondering whether your child has difficulty hearing, you should arrange to have your child’s hearing assessed. Hearing problems can have a significant impact on the development of your child's communication development.

If your child is under 2 years and has not had hearing screening, please call: Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services at (416) 338-8255 to arrange hearing screening. Over the age of 2 years, you can ask your family doctor for a referral to an audiologist, if your child hasn't been screened, has had ear infections or there are other reasons to be concerned about your child's hearing.

Call our information and referral line or ask your child's doctor for a referral to audiology. You can also call the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists at 416-920-0361

Preschool Speech and Language Program Locations

Algoma Preschool Speech and Language
(705) 541-7101 (Sault Ste. Marie)
1 (888) 537-5741 (District of Algoma)
www.ahu.on.ca

Brant Preschool Speech and Language (Talking Tots)
(519) 753-3153 or 1 (800) 454-7186

Chatham-Kent Preschool Speech and Language
(Early Words)
(519) 354-0520
www.prismcentre.com

Cochrane Preschool Speech and Language
(Early Childhood Preschool Speech and Language Service)
(705) 267-1181 or 1 (877) 442-1212
www.porcupinehu.on.ca

Durham Preschool Speech and Language
(905) 728-1673, ext. 261 or 1 (800) 304-6180
www.grtc.ca/

Eastern Ontario Preschool Speech and Language (Words in Bloom)
1 (800) 267-7120
www.eohu-bseo.on.ca

Essex Preschool Speech and Language (Windsor)
(Talk 2 Me)
(519) 252-0636
E-mail : talk2me@wrh.on.ca

Grey Bruce Preschool Speech and Language (Owen Sound) (Integrated Preschool Speech and Language Services)
(519) 376-2121, ext 2895

Haldimand Norfolk Preschool Speech and Language
1 (866) 463-2759
www.haldimand-norfolk.org

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Preschool Speech and Language (Kidtalk)
(705) 743-1000 (Peterborough) or 1 (866) 888-4577
(Haliburton, Northumberland and City of Kawartha Lakes)
www.hkpr.on.ca/

Halton Preschool Speech and Language
(905) 825-6000
www.erinoak.org

Hamilton Preschool Speech and Language (Early Words)
(905) 381-2828, ext 224
E-mail : earlywrd@ascy.ca
www.ascy.ca/ascy_earlywords.html

Hastings Prince Edward Preschool Speech and Language (Building Communication Together)
(613) 969-8370 or 1 (800) 720-0176

Huron Perth Preschool Speech and Language (Small Talk)
(519) 272-8216 1 866 333-7716
www.smalltalkinfo.ca

Kenora Rainy River Preschool Speech and Language
(North Words)
1 (877) 553-7122
www.northwords.com

Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington Preschool Speech and Language (Early Expressions)
(613) 546-3854 1 800 267-7875, ext 184
www.healthunit.on.ca

Lambton Preschool Speech and Language (Sarnia) (SoundStart)
(519) 542-2074 1 877 332-4025
www.soundstart.org

Leeds, Grenville et Lanark Preschool Speech and Language (Language Express)
1 (888) 503-8885
www.language-express.ca

Manitoulin Sudbury Preschool Speech and Language (Wordplay Jeux de mot)
1 (877) 522-6655

Muskoka Parry Sound Preschool Speech and Language (Early Words)
1 (800) 563-2808
www.mpshu.on.ca

Niagara Preschool Speech and Language
(Speech Services Niagara)
(905) 688-3550, ext 151 or 1 (800) 896-5496
www.npcc.on.ca

Nipissing Timiskaming Preschool Speech and Language (North Bay) (Talking Tots)
1 (800) 368-7739

Ottawa Preschool Speech and Language (First Words)
(613) 688-3979
www.pqhcs.com

Peel Preschool Speech and Language
(905) 855-2690, ext 222
www.erinoak.org

Renfrew Preschool Speech and Language
(613) 732-7007 or 1 (888) 421-2222

Simcoe County Preschool Speech and Language (Barrie)
(705) 739-5696 or 1 (800) 675-1979

Thames Valley Preschool Speech and Language (London) (tykeTALK)
(519) 663-5317, ext 2224 or 1 (877) 818-TALK (8255)
www.tyketalk.com

Thunder Bay Preschool Speech and Language
1 (888) 294-6630
www.tbdhu.com

Toronto Preschool Speech and Language
(416) 338-8255
(416) 338-0025 (TTY)
www.tpsls.on.ca

Waterloo Preschool Speech and Language
(519) 886-8886, ext 214 or 1 (888) 372-2259
www.kidsability.ca

Wellington Dufferin (Guelph) (Wee Talk)
(519) 821-2370 or 1 (800) 265-7293
www.weetalk.net

York Region Preschool Speech and Language (Beyond Words)
1 (888) 703-5437
www.beyond-words.org

There is no cost to families as it is covered by the Ontario government.