Office of Cheryl D. Lindsay, Speech Language Pathologist

03/09/2026

Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program 🌟 5-Week Parenting Program led by trained facilitators.

Sessions include interactive discussions, activities, and resource sharing 💬

✔️ Increased confidence and competence in parenting.
✔️ A stronger understanding of child development and behaviour.
✔️ Reduced parenting stress through peer support and practical strategies.
✔️ Enhanced parent-child relationships and family well-being.

Participants will receive free parenting resources such as booklets that address topics like child development, behaviour, and health.

🗓️ March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
🕒 1:30–3:00 pm

Sign up here: d6ae49d8-0bbb-411d-b31f-f7c42b6005d2@d5155637-e40d-48f5-bfc8-f9c432adf8ff" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d6ae49d8-0bbb-411d-b31f-f7c42b6005d2@d5155637-e40d-48f5-bfc8-f9c432adf8ff

03/08/2026

✨ Special Guest at Growing with Baby! ✨
Dr. Sarah Raynsford will be joining us on Tuesday, March 10th at 1:30 p.m. during the Growing with Baby program at the EarlyON Chesley site.
She will be sharing information about gentle chiropractic care for infants, including how it can support:
✨ Feeding
✨ Sleep
✨ Digestion
✨ Overall comfort
No registration required — everyone is welcome!

03/08/2026

Growing with Baby – Mildmay EarlyON
Join us Mondays at 1:30 p.m. for a cozy, in-person program just for parents and babies (0–12 months)! Each week features engaging topics and guest speakers to support your parenting journey.

March 9 – Crying, Comforting & Baby Cues
March 16 - Infant Massage with Emily Von Hatten, Registered Massage Therapist
March 23 - Infant & Child Dental Health with Tay Morrison, Dental Health Educator
March 30 - Babies & Play
Come connect, learn, and grow with your little one!

03/08/2026

Chesley's Growing with Baby program runs Tuesday afternoons from 1:30–3:00 p.m. at the EarlyON site located at the back of the Chesley Community School. No registration needed—just drop in!
March Topics & Guest Speakers:
March 3 – Home Safety
March 10 – Gentle Chiropractic Care for Infants with Dr. Sarah Raynsford
March 17 – Making Tie Blankets with Josie, Indigenous EarlyON Educator
March 24 - Infant Playgroup
March 31 - Choosing Quality Child Care with Ann Taylor, Home Child Care Caseworker

❄️ Please check the EarlyON schedule for weather‑related cancellations:
https://occms.brucecounty.on.ca/earlyon/calenda

03/08/2026

🗣️ First Words: What Happens Before - and What Comes Next

First words don’t appear suddenly.
They grow from earlier communication skills and gradually develop into speech sounds.

Swipe through to see how communication develops:

⸻

1️⃣ Pre-Language Skills

Before words appear, children develop important communication skills such as:
• Making eye contact
• Responding to their name
• Using gestures (pointing, waving)
• Taking turns in interactions
• Imitating sounds or actions

These early skills help children connect meaning with communication.

⸻

2️⃣ First Functional Words
When children begin talking, their first words are often highly functional, helping them communicate everyday needs.

Common first words include:
mama, daddy, bye-bye, more, up, no, help, go, all done

These early words help children request, protest, greet, comment, answer, and ask for help.

⸻

3️⃣ Speech Sounds Develop Gradually
Speech sounds also develop step by step.

Children typically learn simpler sounds first, such as m, p, b, followed by sounds like t, d, k, g, and later sounds such as f.

Every child develops at their own pace, but understanding this progression can help parents know what to expect as speech develops.

⸻

Helpful Resources

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada
https://www.sac-oac.ca

College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
https://www.caslpo.com/public

Speech sound development information based on research evidence:
Crowe & McLeod (2020)

03/07/2026

03/06/2026

🎒 Is Your Child Entering Junior Kindergarten This Year?

Communication skills play an important role in helping children participate in classroom routines, learning activities, and social interactions.

Children entering Junior Kindergarten may demonstrate a range of developing communication skills, such as:

Receptive Language (UNDERSTANDING)
Children may be able to:
• follow simple one- or two-step directions
• understand basic concepts such as in/on, big/small, or colours
• listen to short stories and respond to simple questions

Expressive Language (TALKING)
Children may:
• use short sentences to share ideas
• ask and answer simple questions
• name familiar objects, people, and actions
• begin using early grammar forms

Pragmatic Language (SOCIAL Communication)
Children may:
• take turns in conversation and play
• ask for help when needed
• participate in simple group activities
• interact with peers during play

Children develop communication skills at different rates, and there is a wide range of typical development.

If you have questions about your child’s speech or language development, a Speech-Language Pathologist can provide guidance and support.

For additional information about kindergarten programs and preparing children for school, families may also find the following LOCAL resources helpful:

Bluewater District School Board – Kindergarten information
🌐 https://www.bwdsb.on.ca/programs/kindergarten

Bluewater District School Board – Preparing your child for school
🌐 https://www.bwdsb.on.ca/students/student_registration/preparing_your_child_for_their_next_big_milestone

Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board – Kindergarten program
🌐 https://www.bgcdsb.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?pREC_ID=1377752&type=d&uREC_ID=1101062

CASLPO public resources about speech-language pathology services in Ontario
🌐 https://www.caslpo.com/public

Speech and language information
🌐 https://www.cheryldlindsay.com

03/05/2026

🧐

03/05/2026

BOOK IDEA!!
'Have You Seen My Blue Socks' - for sound awarenss!

Did you know that the Hanen Centre has a BOOK NOOK to guide you with book choices and reading strategies for your child?

This is a GREAT resource!
Check it out here!

BOOK IDEA!! 'Have You Seen My Blue Socks' - for sound awarenss! Did you know that the Hanen Centre has a BOOK NOOK to guide you with book choices and reading strategies for your child? This is a GREAT resource! Check it out here!

03/04/2026

Need local ABA services in Hanover? Check out this provided!!

https://www.connectionsbehaviourconsulting.com/?fbclid=IwRlRTSAQUohFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEefE3M6yHc2SnzjCtKOvgLKjFiRsgHZB_BNaErYi84ZIUGU15bUYkzXlfvm7A_aem_C3_G2RQU77uq9KkUbkFY4A

Connections Behaviour Consulting provides Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) therapy in-home to those in the Cambridge, ON. and surrounding areas. In addition, we provide telehealth to families across Ontario. Our services are geared towards those with Autism and developmental delays.

03/04/2026

Personalized music therapy supporting emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

03/04/2026

Check out dp Music Therapy in Clinton!!!

Personalized music therapy supporting emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.