The ability to communicate is a fundamental life skills and forms the foundation for children's development. It allows us to connect with family and friends but is also known to shape a child's educational outcomes and health and welllbeing in later life.
Early language development is crucial to the development of children’s literacy skills, and is a key indicator of their educational success. Poor communication skills in childhood affect children and young people’s life chances and are linked with social disadvantage, mental health, and long-term unemployment in adulthood.
Around 2-3 children in every classroom have speech, language and communication difficulties. Research shows that identifying these children early and providing the right support before they reach school age can results in better outcomes.
Children begin communicating form birth by crying, looking, babbling and making movements. As parents we learn what the different communications means and interpret these. In the first three years of life a child's brain is developing significantly and is seen as the critical period for supporting a child's speech and language skills. By identifying a child's needs early we can support them in this critical period and further develop their language.
Shannon
Communication Station.
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