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

COVID-19 Updates

Our services have changed.  See the First Words full announcement regarding our response to COVID-19.
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What's New?

Do you have a child in JK? Learn about First Words services for JK children.
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Kindergarten Expectations Resource

Learn what you can do at home to prepare your child for kindergarten.
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Our Programs

First Words offers free preschool speech and language services to children ages 0 to school eligibility living in Ottawa and Renfrew County.


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Infant Hearing Program

The Infant Hearing Program offers free hearing screenings to babies ages 0 to 2 months living in Ottawa and Renfrew County.


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Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program

The Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program offers free support and services to children ages 0 to school entry living in Eastern Ontario who are blind or have low vision.


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Our Mission and Vision

Mission

First Words supports families of preschool children (birth to Senior Kindergarten eligibility) of Ottawa and Renfrew County to reach their optimal communication development.


First Words is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. All services are offered at no charge to families.

Vision

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.


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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.
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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:
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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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First Words

How We Help

Speech and Language

First Words Process

Vision

Hearing

FAQ

Is your child meeting their milestones?

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at your child's next milestone.

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Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC) is the Lead Agency for First Words Speech and Language Program.