Health Promotion for Speech and Language
tykeTALK has a close working relationship with the local community professionals who provide services for children from birth to school-age. We rely on our community partners to help promote the development of speech and language skills with the children and families that they see.
For Families
Local community professionals who you have contact with (e.g. Early Childhood Educators at Childcare Centres, Ontario Early Years Centres and Family Centres, etc.) all have access to our information. You can ask them questions about speech and language development and learn ways to help your children develop the best skills in this area. Print materials are also available. Remember to also check out all the other information on this website.
For Community Professionals
Given high caseload demands, our Speech and Language Pathologists and support personnel are no longer able to provide workshops or information sessions to families or community professionals. Please feel free to share any information that is on this website. In addition we have on our website a presentation together with notes that can be used for community presentations. The presentation, entitled How to Talk to Parents About Speech and Language (PDF 318KB) includes topics such as Definition of Terms, What do you need to know, What to Share, How to Share, Cautions and Parents’ frequently asked questions: Best answers.
Video Webinars
The York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program at Markham Stouffville Hospital has developed the following videos and power point presentations that can be shared with both families and community professionals.
WEBINAR – The Power of Play: Creating Opportunities for Speech and Language Development
The delighted look on your child’s face when you join her “tea party”; the giggle when Daddy puts on the Princess crown; the endless enjoyment when you join in and “eat” the play dough cookies. Nothing engages or motivates a child more than when an adult joins in on the one thing they love most in the world – play!
When we see your child, first and foremost, Speech-Language Pathologists get to know them through play. This interaction helps to build a trusting, nurturing relationship and provides a foundation within which social interaction and communication skills can develop. Speech and language goals are weaved throughout games and pretend play activities that your child enjoys to keep them engaged, motivated, and paying attention so that learning can occur.
In this four-part webinar series we provide insight into play and tips and tools for using play to build speech and language skills while you wait for your assessment or treatment with a Speech-Language Pathologist. It is designed for parents of preschoolers (ages 2 1/2 – 4) who have concerns about their child’s communication development.
The series is the result of a collaboration between the York Region Early Literacy Specialists and the York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program. Funding support provided by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
- Part 1: The Power of Play: Play Builds Relationships
- Part 2: The Power of Play: Not Just for Kids
- Part 3: The Power of Play: Playing with Words
- Part 4: The Power of Play: Music Notes and Between the Lines
WEBINAR – Being the Bridge: Building Language While You Wait
A four-part webinar series for parents and caregivers with children (birth-30 months) who are waiting for Speech and Language assessment and other interested parents, co-presented by York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program and Early Literacy Specialists, York Region Ontario Early Years.
- Part 1: Love Grows Brains and Routines Support Learning
- Part 2: Communication Before Words
- Part 3: Words they Know; Words they Say
- Part 4: Print is All Around
