speech sound development handbook

Confidently Respond When You Don’t Understand What A Child Says

Sound errors are completely normal during toddlerhood and preschool years — but knowing what speech sounds are expected, when to be concerned, and how to respond in unclear moments can help children (and you!) feel less frustrated and more confident to keep communicating.
Designed by a speech therapist, this practical resource:
  • Helps early childhood educators know how to respond when you don’t understand what a child says
  • Have simple strategies that support sound development.


You will also have book, toy, and game suggestions as well as a sound tracking tool you can use to gather information about a child's sounds and share with families.   
preview the resource

Simple speech strategies and practical tools you can use immediately

Preview of the Free Calm Down Corner Guide with visual supports, printable activities, and classroom strategies

The handbook includes:

  Clear roadmap for understanding what sounds develop at specific ages

  Easy strategies you can use when you have no idea what a child says

  Support speech and sound development through everyday play, routines, books, toys, and games
Looking For More Support?

Get The Full Speech Development Course + Handbook For Even More Guidance for Just $5 More

If you want even more guidance, the full speech sounds training includes:
 The complete handbook
 Video examples of typical and atypical speech development
 Step by step video guidance on how to respond to children when they say a sound wrong and when you don't understand them
 Opportunities to learn from other teachers just like you

Perfect for providers who want extra confidence supporting speech and communication in toddler and preschool classrooms.
training card for what to do when you dont understand what a child says

Need child care training hours?

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Get your state-approved hours and CEUs, a comprehensive handbook you'll reference forever, and strategies that’ll make a difference in the children you’re caring for.

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Real-time interaction, community with other providers, and the energy of learning together.
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Self-Paced Trainings

Flexibility to learn on your own schedule, pause and rewatch as needed, with opportunities to learn and engage with others.
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Private Trainings

A customized training for your entire staff, in-person or virtual, with hands-on activities built around your center's needs.
Kelly Goldberg taking books off the bookshelf
Meet Your Trainer

Hi, I'm Kelly
A licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Early Intervention Specialist, Child Care Trainer, and Former Family Child Care Owner

I work alongside teachers every day caring for children with developmental delays, feeding challenges, speech and language disorders, and more.

I kept hearing the same thing: "Our trainings don't teach us this." So I created trainings that do! 

No fluff. Just practical strategies designed to fit naturally into everyday routines with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Speech-language pathologist working on professional development resources for early childhood educators