Small TALK During Early Childhood

Words help your child grow and learn

From the waiting room to the exam room, our team speaks directly to your child, not just to you. Those conversations help your child feel safe and supported. They also help their brain grow. Talking, reading, singing and playing aren’t only fun—they’re brain builders. Small moments of connection, such as answering your child’s questions or singing in the car, help build vocabulary, memory and confidence.

We’ve built Small TALK into ambulatory pediatric offices to create a language-rich environment at every stage. It’s not a program you have to opt in to—it’s part of how we deliver care.

Why it matters

During well-child visits, hearing and vision screenings help us spot issues early. Learning becomes much harder if your child can’t hear or see clearly. Sometimes, trouble seeing or hearing can be mistaken for behavior problems. That’s why early detection matters so much. We can give your child the right support from the start, knowing the more words your child hears now, the stronger their foundation for reading and learning will be later.

Growing with your child

Parenting comes with questions. And we’re here with answers, guidance and encouragement. Whether you’re celebrating your child’s first word or wondering if something seems off, we can help.

We offer tools to support your child’s development beyond the doctor’s office. Explore Small TALK’s language and literacy milestones to see how your child’s language develops from birth through age 8. You’ll find simple tips and ideas to help support your child’s development through every stage.