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3 years

Does the child:

Understand “who”, “what”, “where” and “why” questions?
Create long sentences, using 5 or more words?
Talk about past events – trip to grandparents’ house, day at childcare?
Tell simple stories?”
Show affection for favourite playmates?
Engage in multi-step pretend play – cooking a meal, repairing a car?
Talk in a way that is understood by most people outside of the family, most of the time?
Have an awareness of the function of print – in menus, lists, signs?
Have a beginning interest in, and awareness of, rhyming?

Red Flags:

If the child presents with one or more of these red flags, this might indicate a developmental concern, not only a speech and/or language delay. An immediate referral to the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre for a developmental assessment might be required. Consult the “Where to refer” section on how to do this.

Limited eye gaze and/or limited shared interest in others
Repeats exactly what you say rather than responding to questions or comments
Disinterest in or detachment from other children of same age when playing
Does not look at you when listening or speaking
Makes noises or uses gestures to express needs instead of using words or sentences
Repetitive play or movement behaviours
Limited sequenced pretend play
Does not appear to be reaching the appropriate milestones
Any loss of any social and/or language skills