Slowly But Surely!:

Language is a tool we all use, to give and receive information. Imagine the frustration a child must feel, when they are unable to verbally communicate their needs. As parent educators, we often encounter children with developmental issues. I currently visit a child, who enrolled in the program, in February, 2009 at 30 months of age. Many toddlers, his age, are often combining words and/or making three or more word sentences. FT was silent during three home visits. He communicated using gestures and would become frustrated. This child was referred to Sooner Start for services. Gradually, FT started saying single words. Every week FT's vocabulary increased. This morning on a home visit, I heard FT say a three word sentence. He said, " I want cheese". This was a monumental milestone and the highlight of the month for me. What a wonderful partnership between Early Head Start-Home Based, and Sooner Start.

JM