When Can My Child Begin Receiving Speech & Language Services?
by Kim Knight
November 03, 2009
Hey parents! Did you know that children can begin receiving speech and language services through the school as young as 3 years of age? Of course, those children must meet the eligibility requirements set by the state, as do older students. However, it is my belief that the earlier a problem is diagnosed and treated, the better for the child—both for communication purposes as well as for later academic success.
I have to follow the criteria set by the State of Missouri in order to decide when a child should receive speech services. For example, by age 3, a child should be able to correctly say the “m” sound, “h” sound, “w” sound, “p” sound, and “b” sound. By age 3 years, 6 months, a child should be able to correctly say the “n” sound, “d” sound, “k” sound, and “f” sound when its at the beginning of words. By age 4, a child should be able to correctly say the “t” sound and “g” sound. By age 5, they should be able to say the “y” sound, and by age 5 years, 6 months they should be able to say the “f” sound at the end of words, “v” sound, and “tw” and “kw” clusters.
Of course, there are many other sounds that may develop later, and I can share those with you if you have a concern. If your child is not able to say these sounds by the above ages, please let me know, and we can discuss your concerns and set up a speech and language screening if needed. If you have a concern for your child, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Thanks for the work you are doing at home!
Kim Knight
Speech-Language Pathologist
(660) 947-3361 ext. 391
