Preschool Speech and Language Parent Resources

Here are a selection of Speech and Language resources. These resources will help parents and caregivers gain a better understanding of speech and language development and what they can do to help their child at home.

Please note: Some of these web pages require the Adobe Flash player. They may not be available on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Being the Bridge: Building Language

• Link: Being the Bridge (Markham-Stouffville Hospital)

This e-learning course was created to provide parents with information on the role of attachment and routines in language development, insight into how communication develops from birth, as well as practical strategies to promote your child's understanding and use of language at home.

Let's Make Sounds

• Link: Let's Make Sounds Webinar (Markham-Stouffville Hospital)

This webinar will give parents an overview of how to work with their child to implement the home program they received from the speech-language pathologist.

Interactions in Early Development

The following videos were developed by the Hanen Centre.  They were designed for all parents/caregivers to demonstrate the importance of interactions in the early language development of children 9-15 months.

• Link: A Few Words about First Words
• Link: Conversations pave the way for first words
• Link: Sounds and Gestures: Building blocks for your child’s first words

The Impact of Screen Time on Language Development

• Link: The Impact of Screen Time on Language Development
• Link: Le temps d'écran et le développement du langage

This webinar was developed by the First Words - Premier mots Preschool Speech and Language Program in Ottawa

Let's Talk

• Link: Let's Talk (Eastern Ontario Health Unit)

This video series was developed by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to help parents support and strengthen their children's developing communication skills. It's available in both English and French, and shows some the important stages children should be reaching from infancy through age 5.

It also offers tips and strategies on how parents can help develop their child's speech and language skills during this important period.

The Power of Play: Creating Opportunities for Language Development (for Parents of Preschoolers – ages 2½ to 4)

• Link: The Power of Play (Markham-Stouffville Hospital)

This e-learning course was created to provide parents with information on how play skills and peer interaction skills develop, the link between pretend play, cognitive, and language development, and practical strategies for promoting your child’s understanding and use of language within playful activities at home. (30 minutes)