Why Use Sign Language in Early Childhood Classrooms

Oct 9 / Kelly Goldberg
As a pediatric speech language pathologist and early intervention specialist who provides services in child care classrooms every week, I'm always asked the same questions by infant, toddler, and pre-k teachers when I suggest introducing sign language.

1. “I’m already so busy, what’s the benefit to this?”
2. “Wont they just sign and never learn to talk?
3. “Yeah, lets do it! But I don’t know any signs, how do I get started?” (Of course this is my fave question!)

Lets break down the answers to these questions in this blog!

What are the benefits to using Sign Language in early childhood classrooms?

1. Reduces Frustration and Challenging Behaviors

One of the biggest benefits of sign language in daycare classrooms is reducing frustration. We all know children get frustrated when we can't figure out what they want or need, so what do they do-tantrum, cry, or hit.  All behavior is communication.  When children learn simple signs like “help,” “eat,” or “all done,” they gain a reliable way to express their wants and needs. Signs are especially helpful with your toddler class, as frustration is common for this age!

As soon as we get signs going in the child care classrooms I service children in, caregivers report fewer meltdowns!
For child care providers, this creates:
  • Calmer classrooms
  • Easier transitions
  • Improved emotional regulation
  • More positive teacher-child interactions

2. Supports Speech and Language Development

A common myth is that sign language delays speech. Research shows the opposite is true.  The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association stated, “Contrary to predictions often cited in the literature, acquisition of sign language does not harm spoken vocabulary acquisition.”

Signing actually supports spoken language development by:
  • Increasing vocabulary exposure
  • Reinforcing word meaning
  • Encouraging communication attempts
  • Strengthening understanding of language

What I find is signing acts like a bridge to spoken words. Children typically sign then sign and say the word together before eventually relying mostly on verbally saying the word only.  Also, it is a common myth that sign delayed speech and language development.  Learn more common myths here.

3. Encourages Inclusion in Early Childhood Classrooms

Sign language helps create inclusive classrooms where all children can participate successfully.  While I am typically in a child care setting because the child qualified for service, we know, Signing supports:
  • Children with speech delays
  • Typically developing children
  • Dual language learners
  • Children with developmental differences
  • Children who are shy or slow to warm up
  • Infants and toddlers still developing verbal communication

4. Strengthens Teacher-Child Relationships

Communication builds connection and connection supports positive behaviors, so it's a win-win!

When educators understand children’s needs faster, children are less frustrated, more motivated to keep the communication exchange going, and emotionally secure. 

This stronger communication can improve:
  • Responsive teaching practices
  • Attachment and bonding
  • Emotional security
  • Participation during routines and activities

baby using sign language to request "eat"

How Sign Language Fits Naturally Into Daily Child Care Routines

One of the best things about sign language is how easy it is to embed into existing classroom routines.  This is not a separate "lesson" or something we do during "signing time"  You just add sign language to your everyday routines.  Below are usually the first places I am coaching child care providers to add signs.  

Diapering and Potty Time Routines

We teach and model signs like:
  • Potty
  • Sit
  • Pee and poop
  • Wash hands

This helps make these concepts concrete and adds another layer of support for children with delays.

Outdoor Play

Ok, I love outdoor signs.  They are so fun, so motivating for kids to imitate and then use, and totally functional!  I like to focus on ones that help with following directions as well as words they can use to comment. 
I usually lean toward teaching:
  • Stop
  • Go
  • Slide
  • Outside
  • Swing
  • Bird
  • Tree

Signs at Circle Time

Honestly, circle time is typically where I see the most behaviors during my early intervention sessions and adding signs can really help decrease those challenging behaviors.
Add signs to:
  • Songs
  • Greetings
  • Stories! You can sign while you read.
  • Your movement words to make them concrete- like sit, stand, jump, dance


Signs increase engagement because kids learn through more than one channel at a time: seeing, hearing, and moving.  Plus, their attention goes where their hands go, so we want to keep those little hands busy!  If you are looking for more signs for preschool age children, start here!
 Just a quick note- I also add signs during meal times, but this is not always my go to place to sign.  Sometimes what happens is providers will withhold foods or a drink until the child signs "more" or something like that and the feeding therapist-speech therapist in me dies a little when that happens.  We want meal time and communication to be pressure free.  

Best Practices for Teaching Sign Language in Child Care and Preschool

Keep it Simple
Start with 5ish signs your children can immediately use throughout their day.  Seriously, keep it simple, you do not need to overwhelm yourself trying to add 30 new signs. Pick 5ish, get good at using them consistently, then add 5 more.

Focus on:
  • Words that are motivating - fun words! Not words like "nap" or "clean up"  These are not super motivating for children to use. 
  • For my preschool age children, the teachers and I find the easiest way to add signs throughout the day is to match new signs to their current themes.  We have done words for animals during their farm theme or to match with concepts they are learning like sink & float and more & less
  • Words that can be used across routines.  The more opportunities the child has to see and practice the signs, the faster they will learn them.
Always Say the Word While Signing
You likely know this already.  We want children to hear the spoken word along with the signed word.  The goal is to support communication, we are not replacing talking.  
Use Repetition Throughout the Day
Consistency matters. Children learn signs through:
  • Repeated exposure
  • Daily routines
  • Songs and play
  • Visual modeling

The more signs are naturally embedded into classroom interactions, the faster children learn.
Encourage Without Pressure
Some children will begin signing quickly, while others may take weeks or months. That is completely normal. You don't need to move their hands for them or withhold anything until they use the sign, just model and move on!

Why Every Early Childhood Program Should Consider Sign Language

Sign language is more than a communication tool. It supports language development, emotional regulation, inclusion, and stronger relationships in early childhood classrooms.  For child care providers, incorporating sign language can lead to:
  • Happier classrooms
  • More confident communicators
  • Reduced frustration
  • Stronger teacher-child connections
  • Improved family engagement
  • Most importantly, sign language gives children a voice before words fully emerge.

Sign language training for infant, toddler, and preschool teachers

Earn required professional development training hours! As an IACET-approved organization, our continuing education is recognized and accepted across many states, so your time counts toward the hours your program already needs.
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Common Questions About Sign Language in Child Care

Does sign language delay speech?

No. Studies and speech-language experts consistently support that sign language encourages communication and often strengthens spoken language development.

What age should children start learning signs?

Children can begin seeing signs as early as infancy. Many babies begin using simple signs between 6–12 months.  Learn more about signing with babies here!

How many signs should educators teach?

Start small. Focus on signs children can immediately use successfully in classroom routines.

Do preschoolers still benefit from sign language?

Absolutely. Even verbal toddlers and preschoolers benefit from visual language support, especially during emotional moments, transitions, and new learning experiences.

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Hey, I’m kelly

Speech Language Pathologist, Early Intervention Specialist, Child Care Trainer, and Former Family Child Care Owner

I work alongside early childhood educators caring for children with a variety of needs. But these needs look very different than they did twenty years ago and you deserve trainings, resources, and tools that reflect that. 

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That's why I built Bridging Child Development. Every training hour you earn here gives you strategies you can use the very next day in your classroom.