Parent Concerns Over Child's Speech

[jensen2017]

some help please. I've had one of my parents approach me with concerns about their child's speech. they are wanting to eventually get a referral for a speech pathologist but have asked if I have some sort of checklist I can do for speech (to back up their reasoning). I do my normal development checklist which cover all areas but i've never done an in depth one just on speech. This is only my first year as a qualified group leader so I'm not sure where I would find such checklist. I've researched as much as I can but can't find anything. my question is does anyone have a template or can point me in the right direction for a speech checklist? thank you

[Lorina]

what is wrong with their child's speech? have you noticed any delays?

,
Lorina

[Lorina]

how old is their child? you can just do observations, sound recordings when talking to the child if it helps...

,
Lorina

[Nandy84]

Hello,

Actually, before making a checklist of speech development you need to know why the parents want to have the same? If there is any delay in the child's speech? If so, first of all it is important to know the age of the child.

A speech and language delay is when a child isn't developing speech and language at an expected rate. It's a common developmental problem that affects as many as 10% of preschool children. At the same time, it is not the thing that if the child is having delay, it is indicating some problem. A “Late Talker” is a toddler (between 18-30 months) who has good understanding of language, typically developing play skills, motor skills, thinking skills, and social skills, but has a limited spoken vocabulary for his or her age.

The child's age and exact problem are important to make a speech developmental checklist.

Thanks

Nandita

[Lorina]

There isn’t usually a one‑size‑fits‑all speech checklist floating around like the general developmental ones we use. Most centres rely on the milestones in the EYLF/Developmental Checklists and then, if concerns pop up, they suggest families chat with their GP or child health nurse for a referral.

What you can do is jot down observations in plain language things like:

How the child uses sounds, words, and sentences.
Whether they can follow simple instructions.
If they’re understood by peers/adults most of the time.
Any frustrations or behaviours linked to communication.

That way you’re not “diagnosing,” but you’re giving the parent a clear picture of what you see day‑to‑day. It backs up their concerns without stepping outside your role. If they want something more formal, a speech pathologist will have proper screening tools.

So in short: keep using your normal developmental checklist, add a few extra notes on speech/communication, and reassure the parent that their next step is a referral. You’re doing the right thing by supporting them and staying within your scope

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Lorina