Birth-6 Months
-Check your baby’s hearing (e.g., professionally screen your child, use a rattle or small bell and/or see if he responds to voice when awakened).
-Talk and sing to your baby.
-Repeat sounds your baby makes and attempt to engage it in a game of sounds.
-Model new sounds for your baby to hear and eventually produce.
-Read to your baby.

CONTACT us if your infant does not seem to be reaching many of the birth-6 month milestones or if he/she does not seem to be progressing at a rate similar to other children.

6-12 Months
-Keep talking to your baby.
-Share pictures with your baby (e.g., Family members, kids in daycare, etc.).
-Try to avoid excessive use of pacifiers (This may inhibit attempts to communicate).
-Play games like peek a boo. (6-9 months).
-Reinforce babbling by imitating your baby and by turning babble into real words (e.g., That’s right, mamama. There’s mama over there.).

CONTACT us if your infant/toddler does not seem to be reaching many of the 12-24 month milestones or if he/she does not seem to be progressing at a rate similar to other children.

12-24 Months
-If your toddler has not spoken her first words by 18 months have his/her hearing tested by an audiologist.
-If your toddler has not spoken at least 10 words by 18 months, CONTACT us.
-Sing a variety of songs, which encourage participation.
-Pause and give your toddler a chance to get his/her words out to speak.
-Engage your toddler in conversation to encourage use of new words and listening.
-Do not force your toddler to talk (Repeated commands to talk may inhibit him/her).
-Encourage talking within the context of situations (e.g., Say bye-bye when someone is leaving.)
-Read to your toddler!!!!!

CONTACT us if your toddler does not seem to be reaching many of the 12-24 month milestones or if he/she does not seem to be progressing at a rate similar to other children.

2-3 years
-Provide a learning environment full of variety and love.
-Keep reading!!!
-Have your child’s hearing tested if he/she does not seem to be reaching many of the 2-3 year old milestones or if he/she does not seem to be progressing at a rate similar to other children.

CONTACT us if your child does not seem to be reaching many of the 2-3 year milestones or if he/she does not seem to be progressing at a rate similar to other children.

3-5 Years
-Nurture your child’s interest in the world. Go exploring.
-Wait patiently for your child to finish speaking.
-Do not pretend to have all of the answers.
-Go to the library together.
-Have your child’s hearing tested if he/she does not seem to be reaching many of the 3-5 year old milestones or if he/she does not seem to be progressing at a rate similar to other children.

CONTACT us if your toddler does not seem to be reaching many of the 3-5 year old milestones or if he/she does not seem to be progressing at a rate similar to other children.