Continued Early Childhood Education Phone: 866-727-1617


How Can I Respond to a Child with Speech and Language Delays?

Piret Leonetti, EdD

October 23, 2020

Share:

Question

How can I respond to a child with speech and language delays?

Answer

As an educator and caregiver, you must be a good listener and observer. Engage infants and toddlers in shared conversations by reading their sounds, gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Give directions using as few simple words as possible in complete sentences. Use everyday activities such as singing songs, reading books, visuals, and dramatic play to encourage language development. Another great example that toddlers and preschoolers enjoy is puppet play. Talk about what you or the child are doing as you are doing it together.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Working with Children with Disabilities: Inclusion Works!, in partnership with Region 9 Head Start Associationpresented by Piret Leonetti, EdD.


piret leonetti

Piret Leonetti, EdD

Dr. Piret Leonetti is an experienced Child Development Specialist with a history of working in the early intervention and education management industry. She started her ECE career as an early childhood special education teacher in Europe and continued her career in the United States in educational management as a program director, First 5 Commissioner, and child development specialist specializing in mental health and disabilities. She is also a certified Program for Infant and Toddler Care (PITC) trainer and researcher. Her most recent research study was selected to present at the International Society of Early Intervention conference in Sydney, Australia in June 2019.


Related Courses

Working with Children with Disabilities: Inclusion Works!, in partnership with Region 9 Head Start Association
Presented by Piret Leonetti, EdD
Text

Presenter

Piret Leonetti, EdD
Course: #31676Level: IntroductorySubject Area: Observing and recording children's behavior1 Hour
  'Excellent Course'   Read Reviews
Learn about laws surrounding inclusion, best practices, and how to create supportive environments for young children with disabilities in early childhood settings. In partnership with Region 9 Head Start Association.

Introduction to Sensory Processing
Presented by Nicole Quint, Dr.OT, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Nicole Quint, Dr.OT, OTR/L
Course: #31232Level: AdvancedSubject Area: Understanding principles of child development and learning1 Hour
  'Very informative'   Read Reviews
This course provides professionals with an introduction to sensory processing, emphasizing theoretical information, connection to behavior and performance, and practical considerations for how to refer children for specific sensory services such as sensory integration.

Introduction to Pregnancy - The Earliest Child Development, in partnership with Region 9 Head Start Association
Presented by Delia Vicente, MA
Video

Presenter

Delia Vicente, MA
Course: #32005Level: IntroductorySubject Area: Planning a safe and healthy learning environment1 Hour
  'it was very informative thank you'   Read Reviews
This course provides home visitors and others working with new and pregnant mothers an overview of pregnancy topics that are important for a healthy pregnancy and pre-natal development, in partnership with Region 9 Head Start Association's Training West.

Communication Skill Building… delivering the message with impact and flow, in partnership with Region 9 Head Start Association
Presented by Betsy A. Haas, MA
Video

Presenter

Betsy A. Haas, MA
Course: #31755Level: IntroductorySubject Area: Building productive relationships with families2 Hours
  'Good insights'   Read Reviews
The more we understand how we communicate, the better we can relate to others. Learn about the styles we predominately use to communicate and understand how others think, in partnership with Region 9 Head Start Association's Training West.

How Primitive Reflexes Affect the Child
Presented by Dena Bishop, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Dena Bishop, OTR/L
Course: #31250Level: IntermediateSubject Area: Understanding principles of child development and learning1 Hour
  'Great information!'   Read Reviews
All infants are born with primitive reflexes to aid in the birthing process and with motor development. This course will cover the characteristics of 8 main reflexes, how they affect the baby, and how the retained reflexes affect the child if they do not integrate.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.