First Words is a family-centered early intervention program for children from birth, up to the age of five, who meet the criteria set out in the BC Early Hearing Program. Our specialized interventionists work closely with each family to help their child develop listening and spoken language skills, enabling them to be confident and successful in everyday interactions.

What You Can Expect:

-Our priority is to educate and empower parents to be their child’s primary supporter and advocate as they grow, learn and integrate into the hearing world. As part of our program, families will receive guidance in a number of areas, including:

-Understanding their child’s hearing loss and the implications for communication development

-Managing their child’s listening devices

-Learning about typical developmental milestones related to listening, language, speech (articulation), cognitive, play and social skills

-Implementing communication strategies within daily routines and activities at home

-Developing parent and child advocacy skills

-Transitioning (to daycare, preschool and school)

First Words specialists are continuously monitoring and sharing your child’s progress throughout their journey in this program. You will participate in creating an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that outlines family goals designed to help your child reach their fullest listening and spoken language potential. Sessions may occur on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis and can include other community professionals (e.g. audiologists, Infant Development Program consultants, childcare providers, interpreters, etc...).