Why parent education?
Research shows that language input by parents/caregivers is one of the most important indicators of language learning. Parent involvement is key to helping a child’s language expand. You are your child’s best teacher. So many parents hear “just talk all day to your child.” While that is helpful, HOW you talk to your child and how they process the words you are saying is crucial. My goal at Language Leap is to teach you how!
Why early intervention?
Early intervention is the support and services provided to children ages 3 and younger. Research has proven that intervention is more successful when provided at early, key points of development. Compared to the “wait and see” method, early intervention provides an increased chance of successful improvement. Early intervention can benefit behavior, learning and social skills.
Does it really help?
Research has shown that early intervention alone is helpful, but a child will have more success if parent coaching is also implemented. An interventionist may work with your child for 30 minutes a week, but you are with your child most of the day. And being able to work on language development in their natural environment is so helpful! The amount and time of success will vary based on the child’s skills and parent implementation.
What about the CDC Milestone Update (2022)
The CDC updated its developmental milestone checklist for the first time in many years. While the changes are meant to help parents and pediatricians identify developmental delays (by adding in a 15 and 30 month checklist) there are some concerns to OT/PT/SLPs. The biggest concern for SLPs is the change from having 50 words at 24 months to now 30 months.
Remember to always trust your parent-intuition. If you have concerns about your child’s development, be an advocate for your child. Early intervention sees the most success when started as early as possible. Also, the process to get a referral, evaluation and then begin therapy (if needed) can take months. Here at language leap you can set up a consultation or join a parent coaching class to help support your child’s language development.
When is too early to start?
It is never too early to start encouraging your child’s language development. But it is important to meet your child where they are at developmentally to understand how to best help them. That is where I can help! Together we can best figure out the strategies that would be best for your child based on where they are developmentally.
When is too late?
While you can start supporting your child’s language development at any time, research proves the earlier the better.