Our clinical team supports babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who have delays or issues with: 

• Speech sound production: pronunciation / articulation
• Motor disorder of speech
• Oral language (vocabulary, sentence production, grammatical words, social use of language)
• Understanding of language and play skills
• Stuttering and normal preschool dysfluency
• Voice and resonance
• Phonological awareness (how children play with sounds to become a better reader)
• Pre-reading skills

All speech and language services (e.g., at assessment, in therapy) for preschoolers are play-based. Parents/legal guardians and caregivers attend all sessions. You and your child may receive one or more of the following services:

• First Words Communication Checkup online screening and referral tool
• Assessment
• Home program
• Parent training
• Direct speech and language intervention/therapy
• Community or school consultation
• Education and parental coaching
• Transition to school
• Health promotion
• Referrals to other services/agencies (Audiology, Children’s Treatment Center, Andrew Fleck, Feeding, School-Based Rehabilitation Services)

Children are seen by Speech-Language Pathologists and Communicative Disorders Assistants.

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a professional with a Master's degree in Communication Disorders. SLPs specialize in the prevention, identification, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders.

A Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDA) is a professional with a diploma and/or an undergraduate degree, and a post-graduate CDA diploma or certificate. CDAs provide communication intervention under the supervision of SLPs.

In Ontario, all SLPs must be registered members of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

Here's a few things you can do while you wait for your child's assessment:

1. Sign up for MyChart: 

MyChart is a secure online portal that allows you to get appointment reminders, receive reports and letters electronically and communicate directly with your child's therapist.

To apply for MyChart access, please fill out the MyChart Access Request Form.

Health Records / Health Information Management (HIM) team reviews all applications. If they approve your application, they'll send you an email with your activation code and instructions on how to login.

2. Watch our First Words webinars: 

While you wait, get tips and strategies by watching our First Words webinars.  Additionally, you can find information on First Words services, preschool speech and language development, strategies to help your child’s communication skills grow and resources right here on our website.

3. Wait for a call to book your child's assessment: 

Once you have completed the First Words Communication Checkup screening and referral, your child is placed on our waiting list. You will get a call in 8 to 11 months from our intake staff at First Words to book your child’s speech and language assessment. Wait times may be longer for the Children’s Treatment Center services. Wait times between different steps in the program may vary as well.

Who is eligible? 

Families who live in Ottawa and Renfrew County can use First Words services until their child is eligible for junior kindergarten.   Your child can access some First Words services in their Junior Kindergarten school year if referred prior to September 1st of their JK year. 

Who is not eligible? 

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.  It is important to refer BEFORE your child enters Junior Kindergarten. 

What is the deadline to refer my Junior Kindergarten child? 

September 1st of each year 

Referrals for children entering Junior Kindergarten will be accepted if referred before September 1st (of their JK year). We must receive your child’s completed Intake package before September 1st to receive our services. Referrals after this date will not be accepted. 

What services can I expect for my JK child? 

Children referred prior to September 1st of their JK year will receive a speech and language assessment before the transition to school-based services before the transition to school-based services.  

If your child requires speech and language support but is not eligible for our services, the First Words clinician will work with you to identify the appropriate services to support your child’s communication development.   

With your consent, the clinician will initiate follow-up services on your behalf and send supporting documentation promptly after the assessment visit. 

What should I do before my child enters JK? 

1. Use the First Words Communication Checkup.  First Words provides a free online screening tool. Parents who have concerns about their child’s communication development can complete the online screening. After completion of the screening, parents get immediate results and can complete the referral online. The Communication Checkup is available in English or in French and is available to all Junior Kindergarten children until the end of August before entering SK. Self-referrals will continue to be accepted. 
2. Sign up for MyChart. If you are waiting for First Words services, sign up for MyChart. MyChart is a secure online portal that allows you to get appointment reminders, receive reports and letters electronically and communicate directly with your child's therapist.
3. Get information on speech and language development. Go to the First Words website to find tips and strategies on ways to help your child’s communication skills grow. Parents can access resources or learning modules in the webinar tab.