What Many Toronto Parents Don’t Know About Early Speech and Language Support: An ECE Perspective

 

In early childhood settings, concerns about speech and language development often begin quietly through everyday moments. A child may cry during play because adults cannot understand what they need. Another child may pull a parent by the hand instead of using words. Some children become frustrated during transitions, while others rely mostly on gestures long after their peers begin using simple phrases.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator working with families in Toronto, I am often one of the first people parents speak with when they begin wondering whether their child’s communication development is progressing as expected. I am not a speech-language pathologist or speech therapist. However, because I work closely with children and families in public early years settings, I regularly support parents in finding appropriate resources and referrals when communication concerns arise.

Over the years, I have noticed that many families hesitate to access speech and language services for different reasons. Some parents hope their child will simply “catch up” over time. Others share that a parent or relative also spoke late as a child. Some families worry that seeking support may cause others to unfairly judge or label their child.

These feelings are understandable. It is true that some children begin speaking later than others. However, communication delays can sometimes affect a child’s daily experiences long before words fully emerge.

Recently at my centre, I watched a young child become increasingly upset during free play while adults around them tried to understand what they needed. Later, the child’s mother quietly explained that communication had been especially challenging lately because communication had been delayed. Much of the frustration seemed to come from wanting to express needs and feelings without yet having the words to do so.

Some children experiencing communication difficulties may also show behaviours such as:

• Frequent frustration during communication attempts
• Crying when not understood
• Pulling adults toward desired objects instead of using words
• Difficulty participating during group songs or conversations
• Relying heavily on gestures or sounds
• Increased tantrums during transitions
• Becoming quieter or more withdrawn in unfamiliar situations

Of course, these behaviours do not automatically mean a child has a speech or language delay. Toddlers communicate in many different ways, and development varies widely. However, when concerns continue over time, early observation and professional guidance can be valuable.

1. Why Early Referrals Matter

One important thing many Toronto families do not realize is that publicly funded speech and language programmes for young children already exist.

In conversations with parents, I often recommend beginning with a communication checklist and speaking with professionals early if concerns continue. For example, if a parent shares that their 18-month-old is using very few words or not yet speaking, I may encourage them to explore local preschool speech and language programmes, such as Surrey Place, and begin the referral process if appropriate.

Many families are surprised to learn that assessment and service wait times can vary. In some cases, initial assessments may happen within a couple of months, while ongoing services or therapy support may take longer to access depending on programme demand and availability. This means that early referrals may help families access support sooner if services are eventually needed.

For young children, several months can represent a significant period of development. While some children naturally begin speaking more over time, others may benefit from earlier assessment and support. In some cases, communication difficulties may also be connected to underlying factors such as hearing concerns, developmental differences, or other individual needs.

I still think about one family friend whose child spoke very little for several years. The family initially believed the child was simply a “late talker” because another family member had also spoken late as a child. Eventually, around age four, further medical assessment revealed hearing concerns that later required treatment. Experiences like this are an important reminder that early assessments can sometimes help identify underlying issues much sooner.

Seeking support does not automatically mean something is “wrong” with a child. In many cases, it simply provides families with more information, reassurance, practical strategies, and access to additional support if needed.

2. Communication Checklists Can Be Helpful Starting Points

One helpful first step for families is reviewing communication milestones. Communication checklists are not diagnostic tools, but they can help parents observe how children are currently communicating through gestures, sounds, words, social interaction, and play.

The City of Toronto offers a helpful communication checklist for different age groups:

• City of Toronto Communication Checklist

Parents who continue to have concerns can also explore publicly funded preschool speech and language services through Surrey Place Centre:

• Surrey Place Preschool Speech and Language Program

Many families are simply unaware that these programmes exist or that they may qualify for support.

Wrapping Up Today’s Wonder

As educators and caregivers, we never want families to feel ashamed or fearful when discussing communication concerns. Every child develops differently, and seeking guidance early is not about labelling children — it is about understanding how to support them more effectively.

Some children may naturally begin speaking more with time and supportive interaction. Others may benefit from professional assessment, hearing checks, or specialised communication support. Early referrals simply create opportunities to better understand a child’s individual needs.

Most importantly, communication is about far more than words alone. It is about connection, understanding, relationships, and helping children feel heard.

If concerns about communication development continue, families do not have to navigate the process alone. Toronto has valuable public resources available for families seeking support, and early support can make a meaningful difference for both children and parents.

Information Table: Early Communication Concerns & Support Summary

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Recommended Age
Toddlers and preschoolers (approximately 18 months – 4 years old)

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Possible Signs to Observe
Common Areas to Monitor: Limited spoken words, heavy reliance on gestures, frustration during communication, difficulty participating socially, or challenges expressing needs clearly
Developmental Key Point: Children develop communication skills at different rates, but persistent concerns may benefit from additional support and observation.

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Toronto Resource
Recommended Support: Surrey Place Preschool Speech and Language Program
Helpful Information: Public early communication services may be available for eligible families in the Toronto area.

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Helpful First Step
Recommended Action: Review communication checklists and speak with professionals if concerns continue
Expert ECE Advice: Observing patterns over time can provide helpful information when discussing concerns with professionals.

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Professional Support
Recommended Support: Consultation with a registered speech-language pathologist or healthcare provider when concerns persist
Important Reminder: Seeking professional guidance early can provide reassurance, practical strategies, and access to additional support if needed.