TL;DR
By 18 months, most toddlers try to say at least three words besides “mama” or “dada.” By 2, they put two words together, and by 30 months they say about 50 words, according to the CDC. If your toddler is behind those markers, you do not need to wait and see. In Ohio, children under 3 can get a free referral to Early Intervention through Help Me Grow, and anyone can make that referral online or by calling 1-800-755-GROW (4769). Children 3 to 5 are evaluated through their local school district’s preschool special education program, and university speech clinics in Columbus, Akron and the Toledo area offer evaluations and therapy too.
Speech and Language Milestones From 18 Months to 3 Years
Every child develops at their own pace, but the CDC’s milestone checklists describe what most children can do by each age. Use them as a guide for a conversation with your pediatrician, not as a test.
Chart: language milestones most toddlers reach
From the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists
| By this age | Most children can |
|---|---|
| 18 months | Try to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”; follow one-step directions without gestures, like “Give it to me” |
| 2 years | Say at least two words together, like “More milk”; point to things in a book when asked; point to at least two body parts |
| 30 months | Say about 50 words; put two or more words together with an action word, like “Doggie run”; use words like “I,” “me” or “we” |
| 3 years | Talk in a conversation with at least two back-and-forth exchanges; ask who, what, where or why questions; say their first name; be understood by others most of the time |
Source: CDC 18 months, 2 years, 30 months, 3 years
Signs It Is Time to Ask for Help
- Your child is not trying to say words by 18 months, or is not putting two words together by 2.
- Your child understands very little of what you say, or does not respond to their name.
- Family members and teachers cannot understand most of what your 3-year-old says.
- Your child loses words or skills they used to have. Tell your pediatrician right away if this happens.
- Your gut says something is off. Parents are often the first to notice, and you can ask for an evaluation at any time.
Under 3: Ohio Early Intervention Through Help Me Grow
Ohio Early Intervention serves families of children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities, including speech and language delays. It is part of the Help Me Grow system, run by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
- Make a referral. Use the state’s Help Me Grow referral form or call 1-800-755-GROW (4769). You do not need a doctor’s order, and anyone can refer, including a parent, grandparent, pediatrician or child care teacher. If you are not the parent, Help Me Grow contacts the family first.
- Talk with an intake coordinator. Help Me Grow sets up a time that fits your schedule to talk about your concerns.
- Get an evaluation. A team looks at communication along with other areas of development.
- Build a plan. If your child qualifies, services usually happen at home or wherever your family spends time, including child care.
In Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Help Me Grow also takes referrals at 216-930-3322. Families in Franklin, Summit and Lucas counties can use the statewide number or form.
Ages 3 to 5: Preschool Special Education Through Your School District
When a child turns 3, responsibility shifts from Early Intervention to the local public school district. Ohio’s preschool special education program serves children ages 3 to 5 with disabilities, and services can happen in public schools, private preschools or child care centers. If your child qualifies, you and the school team write an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, that lists goals and services.
To start, contact your school district’s special education or preschool office and ask, in writing, for an evaluation. If your child is already in Early Intervention, your service coordinator helps plan that move before the third birthday.
Chart: where to start, by your child’s age
The right door depends on age; you can also see a private or university clinic at any age
| Child’s age | Where to start | Who runs it |
|---|---|---|
| Birth to 3 | Help Me Grow Early Intervention referral, 1-800-755-GROW | Ohio Department of Children and Youth, with county teams |
| 3 to 5 | Your local school district’s preschool special education office | Public school districts, with DCY guidance |
| Any age | Your pediatrician, a private speech therapist or a university clinic | Health providers and universities |
University Speech Clinics Near Clever Bee Academies
University training clinics often pair graduate student clinicians with licensed, certified supervisors and can be a good option for evaluations and ongoing therapy.
The Ohio State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic (Columbus)
Serving the community since 1930, the Ohio State clinic in Pressey Hall offers child language, articulation and hearing services. Call 614-292-6251.
The University of Akron Audiology and Speech Center (Akron)
The University of Akron center in the Polsky Building treats children and adults for articulation, language, fluency and hearing concerns. Call 330-972-6035.
Bowling Green State University Speech and Hearing Clinic (Toledo area)
About 25 miles south of Toledo, the BGSU clinic evaluates and treats infants, children and adults, including speech and language delays. Call 419-372-2515.
For more local options, see our guides to speech therapy in Cleveland for children, Columbus for children and Akron for children.
Simple Ways to Build Language at Home
- Narrate your day. Describe what you are doing while you cook, drive or change diapers.
- Add one word. If your child says “ball,” answer “big ball” or “red ball.”
- Wait. Pause for a few seconds after a question so your child has time to answer.
- Read together every day. Point to pictures, name them and ask your child to point too.
- Offer choices. “Do you want milk or water?” gives your child a reason to use words.
Speech Support at Clever Bee Academy
Our daycare for speech delays works with experienced speech therapists so children can get support during their regular day, with therapy scheduled around classroom routines. Teachers in our toddler program build language into every activity, from songs to snack time. Find an academy in Cleveland, Columbus, Akron or Toledo, or ask your director about special needs daycare options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should a 2-year-old say?
The CDC says most 2-year-olds put at least two words together, like “More milk,” and most children say about 50 words by 30 months. Ask your pediatrician if your child is well behind those markers.
Is my toddler a late talker or speech delayed?
Some children who start talking late catch up on their own, and others need help. You cannot tell which on your own, so an evaluation is the safest next step. In Ohio, children under 3 can be referred to Early Intervention through Help Me Grow.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for Ohio Early Intervention?
No. Anyone can refer a child under 3 to Help Me Grow, including parents and child care teachers. Call 1-800-755-GROW (4769) or use the online referral form.
What happens when my child turns 3?
Early Intervention ends at age 3. After that, your local school district evaluates children ages 3 to 5 for preschool special education, and services can be provided in public schools, private preschools or child care centers.
Can my child get speech therapy at daycare?
In many cases, yes. Early Intervention can deliver services where your child spends the day, and Clever Bee Academy’s inclusion program works with speech therapists who schedule sessions around the classroom day.
Does screen time cause speech delays?
Researchers are still studying this. What is clear is that back-and-forth talk, reading and play with caregivers help language grow, so make sure your child gets plenty of face-to-face conversation.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, milestones by 18 months: CDC 18 months
- CDC, milestones by 2 years: CDC 2 years
- CDC, milestones by 30 months: CDC 30 months
- CDC, milestones by 3 years: CDC 3 years
- Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Help Me Grow referral for services: Help Me Grow referral
- Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services, Help Me Grow: Cuyahoga Help Me Grow
- Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Preschool Special Education: Preschool special education
- The Ohio State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic: Ohio State clinic
- The University of Akron Audiology and Speech Center: University of Akron center
- Bowling Green State University Speech and Hearing Clinic: BGSU clinic
Questions about your toddler’s speech?
Visit an academy, meet our teachers and ask how our inclusion program supports communication. Schedule a tour today.
