Toddler Talk is a unique, SPS-developed program designed to teach parents how to facilitate language development in 12- to 36-month-old children.

Talking does not just happen. For some children, chronic ear infections, illnesses, and complications during or after birth may slow down the process of speech and language development. For others, the reasons for delayed communication are difficult to determine. In any case, researchers have found that most late talkers do not simply outgrow their communication problems.

By ten to 13 months of age, a child should say his first words. By 18 months, he should have a vocabulary of ten to 20 words and be able to name many common objects, as well as follow one-step directions and play "pretend." By 24 months, children should have a vocabulary of 50 to 100 words and be able to combine them into short phrases. They also begin to identify body parts. At 36 months, a child should have a vocabulary of 500 words and be able to speak in sentences. Children also should be interested in using words and sentences to interact with their peers, and do so successfully.

Those who do not meet these guidelines or lack interest in communicating are at significant risk for future learning difficulties; early intervention is key to decreasing that risk.

During Toddler Talk, parents learn specific techniques to use while playing with their child. The Speech-Language Pathologist "coaches" parents so that they can help expand their child's communication skills during everyday living. Children learn to use new words and create "conversations," commenting upon actions, objects, and events. For all children, communication is the first step to learning.

Each week, a new language technique is introduced and parents and toddlers engage in specifically designed activities to foster communications. Parents also share their ideas and experiences. Toddler Talk is designed to be a fun, rewarding, and educational experience for the entire family.