Milestones To Promote Positive Language Development

Early Years Officers use a range of ‘milestones’ or indicators to ensure that a child is developing positively. It is expected that an infant will start babbling (as discussed previously) around 6 – 9 months with their first word being produced approximately 1 year – 15 months. Their vocabulary should also be expanding, from 50 words at 12 – 18 months to 300 words at ages 2 – 3. Children should be responding to their own name, using gestures and understanding simple instructions. If the child meets these targets it indicates positive language development.
If these indicators are not met, this could be a cause for concern. Language development can be encouraged, through social interaction between the caregiver and the child. Activities such