Speech & Language Development

Dual Language Learners: Resources for Educators and Caregivers [web resource]

These resources from the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center offer information and guidance on the needs of children who are acquiring two or more languages at the same time or are learning a second language while developing their first. Read more ›

Dual Language Learners: Hearing Language is Learning

Babies are born “citizens of the world.” Children can tell the difference between all the sounds in all the world’s languages at birth. By the time they turn one year old, infants have become “language specialists.” At 10 to 12 months, infants no longer hear the differences between sounds in other languages. Read more ›

Delayed Speech or Language Development

As with other skills and milestones, the age at which kids learn language and start talking can vary. Knowing a bit about speech and language development can help parents figure out if there’s cause for concern. Read more ›

3 Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Many children on the autism spectrum may show developmental differences during their infant and toddlers years, especially in social and language skills. Read more ›

Does Your Child Have a Language Delay?

Your child may have a language delay if they don’t meet the language developmental milestones for their age. Their language abilities may be developing at a slower rate than most children’s. They may have trouble expressing themselves or understanding others. Their delay may involve a combination of hearing, speech, and cognitive impairments. Read more ›

Speech and Language Development

Speech and language is an essential part of any child’s development. Language development impacts your child’s social interactions, behavior and academic skills. Read more ›

Language Delays in Toddlers: Information for Parents

Your baby is able to communicate with you long before they speak a single word! Learn how children communicate and what to do when there are concerns about delays in development. Read more ›

Speech and Language Milestones [downloadable]

Children vary in their development of speech and language skills. However, they follow a natural progression or timetable for mastering the skills of language. A checklist of milestones for the normal development of speech and language skills in children from birth to 6 years of age is included below. Read more ›

Talking With Babies and Toddlers: Why More Talk Is Better

Talking with your baby or toddler can help their language and communication development. The more you talk with your baby or toddler, the better.

This is because parents who talk a lot to their young children use many different sounds and words. When children hear a lot of words and many different words, it improves their understanding of language. It also increases the number and variety of words that they understand and use. Read more ›

Pandemic Babies With Developmental Delays Can Be Helped to Make Up for Lost Social Interaction – 5 Tips for Parents

Typically, about 1 in 6 children experience a developmental delay. But children born during the pandemic, a 2022 study has found, have nearly twice the risk of developmental delays in communication and social development compared to babies born prior to the pandemic. Read more ›

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