Your infant’s language and literacy skills begin developing before birth.

There are many ways you can assist your child’s language development at every stage in growth. Talking, singing, reciting nursery rhymes, and explaining what is happening around you to your child every day helps shape their ongoing language skills. You can share books with your children even before they can talk! Babies can learn to love reading when their parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and caregivers read to them regularly.

For more information about developing your baby’s language and literacy skills, click here.

Concerns about Development

As a parent/caregiver, you know your child best. Every child is unique and develops in different ways at different rates. However, if you have concerns regarding your child’s developmental milestones, or if you think there could be issues with how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, moves, or relates to others, talk to your child’s doctor. Share your concerns and observations right away and ask questions. Acting early makes a real difference in your child’s development.

For more information visit the CDC’s website or learn more about Early Intervention programs in Illinois.