Early Childhood Language Development

Is your child struggling to meet their speech and language developmental milestones? Nicole Cavalea, MS, CCC-SLP, and the team at Strategies for Success in Los Gatos, California, can help with their early childhood language development program. They work closely with you and your child’s pediatrician, using therapies that help your child catch up. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today. Virtual visits are also available.

What is early childhood language development?

Early childhood language development refers to the speaking and language skills that develop during the first five years of life when the brain is rapidly growing and maturing. That period of growth and development is vital for speech and language. 

Your child’s pediatrician closely monitors speech and language development to ensure they meet their milestones. 

Speech and language milestones include:

• By 9-12 months, your baby is expected to say “mama” or “dada,” begin to demonstrate understanding of directions, and recognize their name 
• Using 10-20 words and combining words from ages one to two
• Having a 450-word vocabulary and carrying conversations by the age of three

By age four, children should have a larger vocabulary, be able to obey requests, and can name at least one color. By age five, children are able to name shapes, ask questions, and use past tense correctly.

Who needs speech therapy for early childhood language development?

If your child isn’t meeting their speech and language milestones, your pediatrician refers you to speech therapy for an evaluation and treatment plan. Strategies for Success provides specialized speech therapy for early childhood language development.

The team conducts thorough evaluations to determine the underlying cause of your child’s speech delay, such as a speech or language disorder or hearing loss.

Early detection and treatment help your child catch up faster and prevent future problems.

What strategies help early childhood language development?

Strategies for Success conducts a comprehensive evaluation of early childhood language development concerns to create an effective plan. 

The team asks detailed questions about your child’s medical and developmental history and observes your child while they play independently. The team also administers standardized tests to diagnose the underlying cause of your child’s speech delay. 

Your provider talks to you about their findings and the strategies that can help your child develop age-appropriate speech and language skills. The team uses books, games, and play to teach your child speaking and language skills. They make therapy fun, and most of their young clients look forward to their appointments.

Your child continues with speech therapy until they reach their goals.

To schedule an early childhood language development evaluation at Strategies for Success, call the office or book one online today.