California Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI)

Language Milestones

Celebrate each milestone and be proactive in ensuring your child is on track.

A mother and her toddler are sitting on the floor, interacting with a toy. The toddler is comfortably nestled in the mother's lap, focused on the toy, fostering a nurturing and playful environment.

0-3 Months

During the first three months, your baby is keenly observing and reacting to the world around them. They focus on faces, show early smiles, and are responsive to voices and movements. Although they may not be vocalizing much, they are absorbing language through your interactions, so consistent signing and talking are crucial.

More About Children Ages 0-3 Months

A young deaf baby with blonde hair and a blue hearing aid is holding red glasses. A woman in a white shirt is blurred in the background.

4-6 Months

Between four to six months, your baby starts to engage more actively with their environment. They begin to babble with their hands and voice, mimic your movements, and react to changes in tone and facial expressions. This period is characterized by increased interaction and expression of feelings through sounds and gestures.

More About Children Ages 4-6 Months

A bald man in a white shirt and jeans looks on as his wife and deaf daughter sign with each other. A sofa is in the background.

7-12 Months

From seven to twelve months, your baby will start to communicate more clearly. They point to objects, imitate simple words or signs, and engage in joint attention. They also begin to understand common words and respond to requests. Encourage their language development by naming objects, reading together, and engaging in interactive play.

More About Children Ages 7-12 Months

A man and a young girl are signing to each other while looking out a window. The man is wearing a hearing aid.

1-2 Years

Between their first and second birthdays, your baby’s vocabulary expands significantly. They start using single words, simple phrases, and pronouns. They also begin to understand and follow simple commands. This is a crucial time for language acquisition, so continue to engage with them through reading, naming objects, and encouraging their use of words and signs.

More About Children Ages 1-2 Years

A woman in a blue shirt is sitting on the floor with a group of deaf children

2-3 Years

From three to four years, your child will communicate more fluently and clearly. They can use longer sentences, engage in simple conversations, and understand most questions. Their ability to describe actions and understand stories enhances. Support their language development by involving them in discussions, reading complex stories, and encouraging them to describe their experiences.

More About Children Ages 2-3 Years

A mother and her young son, seated at a table, are deeply involved in an educational activity with colorful play dough and an abacus. The world map in the background adds an element of exploration and learning.

3-4 Years

During the second to third year, your child’s language skills grow rapidly. They can name objects, use simple sentences, and start asking questions. Their understanding of commands and ability to express emotions also improve. Encourage their curiosity and language use through interactive activities, storytelling, and answering their questions.

More About Children Ages 3-4 Years

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4-5 Years

Between four and five years, your child’s communication skills become more sophisticated. They use detailed sentences, ask complex questions, and understand time concepts and rhymes. They also start using more descriptive and conditional language. Foster their language skills by discussing various topics, exploring storytelling, and introducing them to new vocabulary and concepts.

More About Children Ages 4-5 Years

Information sourced from the California Department of Education (CDE)

Early Start Programs

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Resources and Free Downloads

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