As parents, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their learning and development. One of the most important things you can do to support your child’s success is to check in on their speech and language skills early. Early screening helps identify any concerns before they become bigger challenges, making it easier to support your child’s communication and school readiness.
What is the First Words Communication Checkup?
The First Words Communication Checkup (FWCCU) is an easy-to-use, free online tool designed for parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years in Ottawa and Renfrew County. This tool helps parents understand how their child’s speech, language, and communication skills are developing.
By completing the FWCCU, you’ll receive feedback on your child’s progress and recommendations on the next steps. If your child needs extra support, parents get connected to the right resources and to the right agency quickly and easily.
If your child is starting junior kindergarten in September 2025 and you have concerns about their communication development, now is the time to act. Complete the First Words Communication Checkup before April 1st to ensure your child gets the support they need. The deadline to refer your soon-to-be JK child to First Words is fast approaching!
How do families access the FWCCU?
Getting started is simple! Follow these steps:
1. Go to the First Words website – Visit www.firstwords.ca to access the First Words Communication Checkup.
2. Complete the online screening questionnaire – It takes about 10–15 minutes to answer questions about your child’s communication, play, and social interactions.
3. Receive immediate feedback – Once you complete the checkup, families get a summary of their child’s skills and recommendations for next steps.
4. Get connected to services if needed – If concerns are identified and your child meets the First Words mandate, parents can complete the First Words referral process online immediately after completing the screening. In all cases, families will be guided toward free speech and language services to support your child.
What does the First Words Communication Checkup do?
The First Words Communication Checkup looks at key areas of your child’s development, including:
- Speech sounds – How clearly your child speaks and how well others can understand them.
- Vocabulary and language skills – The number of gestures and words your child uses and how they combine them into sentences.
- Understanding – How well your child follows instructions and understands conversations.
- Social communication – How your child interacts with others, takes turns, and responds to different situations.
- Overall development – Play skills, motor skills, social behavior skills and other early learning abilities.
Why early screening matters
Early screening makes a big difference in a child’s development. Research shows that children who receive support for speech and language delays early on have better success in school and beyond.
When children struggle to communicate, it can impact their ability to learn, make friends, and express their thoughts and feelings. With early screening and identification of communication delays, parents and professionals can work together to build strong communication skills, boosting
confidence and learning potential.
Remember: If your child is staring junior kindergarten in September 2025, don’t wait. Complete the First Words Communication Checkup before April 1st. If referred before the deadline, your child can receive support from First Words. After April 1st, First Words will provide guidance and resources to help parents access services through the school system.
Know the signs. Act early. Refer now.
A bright future starts with early action. The best time to check on your child’s communication skills is now. Whether you have concerns or just want to make sure your child is on track, the First Words Communication Checkup is a simple, free, and effective way to support their success. By taking this small step today, you are setting your child up for a future filled with confidence, learning, and strong communication. Visit www.firstwords.ca to complete your First Words Communication Checkup online screening and give your child the best start possible!
Learn more:
- Visit the First Words website at www.firstwords.ca.
- Follow us on Instagram at @firstwords_psl.
- If you are concerned about your child's communication development, complete our First Words Communication Checkup online screening tool. It is free, quick and easy to use. You can screen, get results and refer if needed in one single activity.
