This Building Block Series handout focuses on the foundations of speech and language development in infants and toddlers, explaining how children learn to understand and use language from birth through early childhood. It emphasizes that language development is closely tied to play and everyday interactions, and that children typically understand language before they are able to express it with words. Written in clear, parent-friendly language, the resource reassures families that children develop at different rates while highlighting the important role caregivers play in supporting communication growth.
The handout also provides practical strategies and activities to encourage speech and language development, such as modeling sounds and words, labeling objects, responding to communication attempts, reading aloud, singing, and talking during daily routines. In addition, it includes a detailed list of communication milestones from birth to 30 months to help families understand typical development and recognize emerging skills. Overall, this guide serves as an easy-to-use educational tool that empowers caregivers to support early communication through simple, meaningful interactions.
