Prevention, early identification and treatment of speech and language problems.

Our Programs

Speech and Language

Ontario's Preschool Speech and Language Program offers education, assessment and Speech-language therapy for families with children under 5 years of age.

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Vision

Ontario’s Blind–Low Vision Program offers services to children who are blind or have low vision, and their families.

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Hearing

The Infant Hearing Program of Eastern Ontario screens all newborns under 2 months of age.

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Supporting Families

The first years of life are very important for speech and language learning. Children start communicating at birth and begin to understand their environment with every experience. They listen and watch others around them and learn ways to communicate their needs using sounds, gestures and eventually using their words around the age of 1 year.

Speech and language skills help us understand how your child is developing and are critical to a child’s future success in school and in life.

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Find Speech-Language Pathologists in Private Practice

This listing is for information only. We do not confirm the practitioner’s certification. Please consult the included checklist to help you choose the right service for your child.

Ottawa Renfrew County

Resources

Speech and Language milestones for children 6 months to 30 months of age.

Baby & toddler speech and language milestones from birth to 30 months

By Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services of Ontario • November 5, 2020

It is important for children to meet their speech and language milestones at the expected age. This gives your child a strong foundation for learning at school and later in life.

First Language Use and Bilingualism - FAQ

By First Words Ottawa & Renfrew County • May 13, 2020

When children have a strong first language base, they learn a second language more easily. They also do better at school with reading and writing.

Your Baby's Speech and Language Development - FAQ

By First Words Ottawa & Renfrew County • May 12, 2020

Although young babies don’t understand the meaning of your words, they understand a lot by the way that you touch and hold them. They also learn from the expression on your face, the tone of your voice and the gestures that you make. Remember it is by talking to them that they learn words. Surround your baby with words when you feed, diaper and play with them.

Preparing Children To Learn At School

By Speech-Language Pathologists : Sharon Fotheringham, Patricia Marek-Thornton, Brenda Oleszko • May 6, 2020

When children start school, they should be ready to learn. Parents can do many things to help their children get ready to learn. Children do better at school if they learn first language skills at home. Strong first language skills make it easier for children to learn another language at school. Remember to speak to your children in your FIRST language. Everything you do at home helps your children learn. Children need rest and healthy food. You can also take your children to activities like playgroups, nursery school and story time at the library. Small children learn many skills that prepare them to take part in school activities.

Webinars

Learning language begins at birth and you are your child’s best teacher. The way you interact and talk with your child will make all the difference in their language learning. Here are some useful tools about language learning: