First Words supports families of preschool children (birth to Junior Kindergarten eligibility) of Ottawa and Renfrew County to reach their optimal communication development.
To facilitate increased awareness, prevention, early identification, and intervention for early speech, language, and overall communication development for families of preschool children in Ottawa and Renfrew County.
6 Months
Does your 6-month-old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Fill out the First Words Communication Checkup (FWCCU) our online screening tool to determine the next steps.
Contact the CHEO Access Team at 613-737-2757 if needed. You will be asked to complete the FWCCU.
How can I help my 6-month old learn to communicate?
If your child does not do one or several of the above, we can help!
9 Months
Does your 9-month-old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Fill out the First Words Communication Checkup (FWCCU) our online screening tool to determine the next steps.
Contact the CHEO Access Team at 613-737-2757 if needed. You will be asked to complete the FWCCU.
How can I help my 9-month old learn to communicate?
If your child does not do one or several of the above, we can help!
12 Months
Does your 1-year-old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Fill out the First Words Communication Checkup (FWCCU) our online screening tool to determine the next steps.
Contact the CHEO Access Team at 613-737-2757 if needed. You will be asked to complete the FWCCU.
How can I help my 1-year old learn to communicate:
If your child does not do one or several of the above, we can help!
18 Months
Does your 18-month-old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Fill out the First Words Communication Checkup (FWCCU) our online screening tool to determine the next steps.
Contact the CHEO Access Team at 613-737-2757 if needed. You will be asked to complete the FWCCU.
How can I help my 18-month old learn to communicate?
If your child does not do one or several of the above, we can help!
24 Months
Does your 2-year old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Fill out the First Words Communication Checkup (FWCCU) our online screening tool to determine the next steps.
Contact the CHEO Access Team at 613-737-2757 if needed. You will be asked to complete the FWCCU.
How can I help my 2-year old learn to communicate:
If your child does not do one or several of the above, we can help!
30 Months
Does your 30-month old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Fill out the First Words Communication Checkup (FWCCU) our online screening tool to determine the next steps.
Contact the CHEO Access Team at 613-737-2757 if needed. You will be asked to complete the FWCCU.
How can I help my 30-month old learn to communicate:
If your child does not do one or several of the above, we can help!
3 Years
Does your 3-year old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Fill out the First Words Communication Checkup (FWCCU) our online screening tool to determine the next steps.
Contact the CHEO Access Team at 613-737-2757 if needed. You will be asked to complete the FWCCU.
How can I help my 3-year old learn to communicate:
If your child does not do one or several of the above, we can help!
4 Years
Does your 4-year old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Referrals for children entering Junior Kindergarten will be accepted if referred before April 1st (of their JK year).
To access services:
Children already in Junior Kindergarten or older are not eligible for our First Words services Parents and guardians can request speech and language services through their school board. It is important to refer BEFORE your child enters Junior Kindergarten.
How can I help my 4-year old learn to communicate:
If your child does not do one or several of the above, we can help!
5 Years
Does your 5-year old…
Refer if any of these signs are present:
If you have noticed any of these signs, your child may have developmental differences and communication difficulties. More support is needed.
A referral for a developmental assessment might be required.
Children eligible for Junior Kindergarten and older are not eligible for our preschool program.
Parents and guardians can request speech and language services through their school board.
How can I help my 5-year old learn to communicate:
If your child does not do one or several of the above, speak with your child’s Primary Health Care Provider (doctor, nurse), contact your child’s school for support or contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 or 613-PARENTS for more information.
First Words Preschool Speech and Language
Program of Ottawa and Renfrew County
1365 Richmond Road, 2nd Floor
Ottawa, ON. K2B 6R7
613-688-3979
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at your child's next milestone.
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC) is the Lead Agency for First Words Speech and Language Program.
