Speech & Language Screeners: Why Early Checks Matter More Than You Think
As a bilingual speech-language pathologist and owner of Monarch Speech and Language Institute, LLC here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is:
“Does my child really need a speech screening?”
The short answer?
If you’ve ever wondered about your child’s communication development — even just a little — a speech and language screener is a beautiful first step.
Let’s talk about what they are, what they look like, and why they are so important during the early years of your child’s life.
What Is a Speech & Language Screener?
A speech and language screener is a brief, play-based check of your child’s communication skills.
It is not a full evaluation. Instead, it helps us answer one simple question:
Are your child’s communication skills developing as expected for their age?
Screeners can look at:
Understanding language (receptive language)
Using words and sentences (expressive language)
Speech sounds (articulation)
Social communication skills
Play skills
Early literacy foundations
Fluency (stuttering)
Voice quality
Think of it like a developmental snapshot.
What Does a Speech Screener Look Like?
For little ones, it often looks like… play.
A screening might include:
Playing with toys and observing language use
Looking at picture cards and naming objects
Following simple directions
Answering basic questions
Listening to speech sounds
Parent questionnaires about milestones
For infants and toddlers, much of the screening includes:
Parent interview
Observing how your child communicates during play
Checking gestures, eye contact, babbling, and early word use
For preschool and early elementary students:
Simple speech sound checks
Understanding WH-questions
Sentence formulation tasks
Narrative or storytelling samples
It’s gentle. It’s engaging. And it’s designed to reduce stress for both parent and child.
Why Are Screeners Important in the Early Years?
The first five years of life are critical for brain development. Neural connections for speech and language are forming rapidly.
When we screen early, we can:
✔ Identify delays before they widen
✔ Prevent frustration and behavior challenges linked to communication difficulties
✔ Support kindergarten readiness
✔ Empower parents with tools immediately
✔ Bridge the gap between “wait and see” and “let’s take action”
At Monarch, we are deeply passionate about bridging the gap between early intervention and school-based services here in Tulsa. Too often, families are told to “wait and see” — and valuable time is lost.
Early identification changes outcomes!
What Happens If a Screener Shows Concerns?
If your child passes — wonderful! You walk away reassured.
If concerns are noted — that does not automatically mean your child needs therapy.
It may mean:
Monitor and re-screen in 3–6 months
Implement simple home language strategies
Complete a comprehensive evaluation
Refer to early intervention services
A screener simply guides next steps.
When Should My Child Be Screened?
Here are general age checkpoints:
Birth–12 months
Limited babbling
Not responding to name
Limited eye contact or gestures
12–24 months
Fewer than 50 words by age 2
Not combining words
Difficulty following simple directions
2–3 years
Hard to understand speech
Limited vocabulary growth
Frustration when trying to communicate
3–5 years
Difficulty answering questions
Trouble with speech sounds
Challenges interacting with peers
If you’re unsure — that’s enough reason to screen.
Screeners for Bilingual Children
As a bilingual clinician serving many Spanish-English families in Tulsa, I want to say this clearly:
- Being bilingual does NOT cause speech delays.
- Screeners should consider both languages.
It is critical that bilingual children are screened appropriately to avoid misidentification or missed concerns.
The Emotional Side of Screening
Sometimes the hesitation around screening isn’t about logistics — it’s about fear.
Parents may worry:
“What if something is wrong?”
“Will my child be labeled?”
“Did I cause this?”
Let me reassure you:
A screening is not a label.
It is information.
And information empowers families.
Early support can dramatically improve a child’s confidence, academic readiness, and overall quality of life!
Why We Offer Screenings at Monarch Speech and Language Institute
At Monarch Speech and Language Institute, LLC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we offer speech and language screeners because:
We believe in early identification.
We believe in parent education.
We believe in reducing stigma.
We believe every child deserves a strong communication foundation.
Whether your child is in daycare, at home, or preparing for kindergarten, a quick screening can provide clarity and peace of mind.
You don’t need to wait for a teacher to express concern.
You don’t need to wait until kindergarten.
You don’t need to “see if they grow out of it.”
If you’ve ever had that quiet thought —
“I wonder if my child is on track…”
Trust it.
Early screening is a proactive, loving step toward supporting your child’s voice.
If you’re in the Tulsa area and would like to schedule a speech and language screener, we would be honored to support your family.
With love,
Eliana Provenzano-Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner & Lead Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Monarch Speech and Language Institute, Tulsa, OK
