Project RISE: Let’s Talk! The Developmental Path to Early Language

Lisa Hiley, PhD., CCC-SLP

This is a fully online, self-paced, asynchronous course.

Continuing Education hours: 1.5 hours
Featured Expert: Lisa Hiley, PhD., CCC-SLP

Learning Objectives: At the completion of this module, Learners will be able to:

• 1.1 Explain expected communication development in early childhood (birth–5 years), including expected sequences and ages for speech and language acquisition, as well as key developmental red flags.
• 1.2 Describe the impact of hearing and voice on communication development, including the importance of early detection of hearing loss, short- and long-term effects on communication, and the significance of vocal quality in young children.
• 1.3 Discuss linguistic variation in communication, including dialectal, cultural, and bi/multilingual influences on speech sound production and language development, and distinguish difference from disorder.

This is a two-part professional development series designed for early childhood providers who support children’s communication from birth through age five. 

This first module, Let’s Talk! The Developmental Path to Early Language focuses on a strong understanding of the developmental foundations of early speech, language, and communication. 

The second module, called Let’s Talk Part 2! Nurturing Early Language expands on the developmental foundations. That module explores practical, culturally responsive strategies that nurture children’s language through everyday interactions, play, and storytelling.

Early childhood providers play a critical role in supporting children’s communication from the very start. A strong understanding of language and communication development enables providers to recognize the wide range of what is expected for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and also identify early red flags. With this knowledge, providers are better equipped to observe and describe and celebrate each child’s unique strengths as well as areas where additional support may be needed, or referral for services if applicable.

Equally important, early childhood professionals are often the first to partner with families when questions arise about their child’s development or growth. Being able to engage in sensitive, informed conversations with parents and caregivers helps ensure that children receive timely support. By grounding their practice in a solid understanding of communication development, providers can create responsive, culturally attuned environments that help every child build the foundations for lifelong learning and connection.

This professional development module will consider the broad concept of communication as the process of actively sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings and understanding others for a range of social, cultural, academic, and vocational purposes. Language and speech are tools used for communication. This module will specifically address the following three aspects for communication:

• Children’s Speech from 0-5 years: Cultural and Linguistic Considerations 
• Children’s Language Development from 0-5 years: Cultural and Linguistic Considerations
• Additional Communication Considerations: Voice, Fluency, Feeding and Swallowing, Attention and Behavior

This professional development is available at no charge for child-serving professionals in the Finger Lakes/Western New York regions. Learn more: Continuing Education for Child-Serving Professionals.