Frequently Asked Questions

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  • I am worried about my child's speech and language development.

    Find out how your child is developing by completing the First Words Communication Checkup. It's quick and easy!



    Do you have questions?


    A Public Health Nurse would be happy to speak with you about your child's development and help you access services in your area.


    Ottawa: Ottawa Public Health at 613-PARENTS (613-580-6744) 

    Renfrew County: Renfrew County and District Health Unit Family Health Line at 1-800-267-1097, ext. 589 or email: familyhealth@rcdhu.com 



    Want to refer your child for Speech Pathology Services?


    Ottawa: CHEO Access team at 613-737-2757

    Renfrew County: First Words Renfrew County intake office at 1-888-421-2222, ext. 5905

  • I am worried about other areas of my child's development (global development).

    You are in the right place.


    We encourage you to complete the First Words Communication Checkup to make sure that your child is referred to the services that best support their development. 


    You can choose to start your referral online after completing the First Words Communication Checkup or by calling:

    Ottawa: CHEO Access Team at 613-737-2757


    Renfrew County:

    1.   First Words Renfrew County intake office at 1-888-421-2222, ext. 5905 for speech therapy 

    AND

    2.   CHEO Access Team at 1-800-565-4839 for Development and Rehabilitation Services

  • I have referred my child for services and have questions about the wait times for services.

    Families can expect to receive an assessment within 8 to 11 months of referring your child to the First Words program. Please note, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a further delay may be experienced. 


    If you have questions regarding the status of your referral, call:

    Ottawa: First Words Intake Office at 613-737-2757

    Renfrew County: First Words Renfrew County Intake Office at 1-888-421-2222, ext. 5905

  • What should I do before my child's speech and language assessment?

    Here are a few things you can do while you wait for your child's assessment:


    1. Sign up for MyChart: MyChart is a secure online portal that allows you to get appointment reminders, receive reports and letters electronically and communicate directly with your child's therapist. 


    To apply for MyChart access, please fill out the MyChart Access Request Form.


    Health Records / Health Information Management (HIM) team reviews all applications. If they approve your application, they'll send you an email with your activation code and instructions on how to login.


    2. Watch our First Words webinars: While you wait, get tips and strategies by watching our First Words webinars.  Additionally, you can find information on First Words services, preschool speech and language development, strategies to help your child’s communication skills grow and resources right here on our website.


    3. Wait for a call to book your child's assessment: Once you have completed the First Words Communication Checkup screening and referral, your child is placed on our waiting list. You will get a call in 6 to 9 months from our intake staff at First Words to book your child’s speech and language assessment. Wait times may be longer for the Children’s Treatment Center services. Wait times between different steps in the program may vary as well.

  • What do First Words services look like?

    All speech and language services (e.g., at assessment, in therapy) for preschoolers are play-based. Parents/legal guardians and caregivers attend all sessions. You and your child may receive one or more of the following services:


    • First Words Communication Checkup online screening and referral tool
    • Assessment
    • Home program
    • Parent training
    • Direct speech and language intervention/therapy
    • Community or school consultation
    • Education and parental coaching
    • Transition to school
    • Health promotion
    • Referrals to other services/agencies (Audiology, Children’s Treatment Center, Andrew Fleck, Feeding, School-Based Rehabilitation Sevices)

    Learn More

  • What can I expect for my JK child?

    What is the deadline to refer my Junior Kindergarten child? 

    September 1st of each year


    Referrals for children entering Junior Kindergarten will be accepted if referred before September 1st (of their JK year). We must receive your child’s completed Intake package before September 1st to receive our services. Referrals after this date will not be accepted.


    What services can I expect for my JK child? 

    Children referred prior to September 1st of their JK year will receive a speech and language assessment before the transition to school-based services. Some intervention may be provided in the JK year if clinical capacity allows. 


    If your child requires speech and language support but is not eligible for our services, the First Words clinician will work with you to identify the appropriate services to support your child’s communication development.   


    With your consent, the clinician will initiate follow-up services on your behalf and send supporting documentation promptly after the assessment visit.  


    Learn More

  • I need to change, cancel or have questions about my appointment.

    Please call:

    Ottawa: First Words Intake Office at 613-737-7600, ext. 2500 

    Renfrew County: First Words Renfrew County Intake Office at 1-888-421-2222, ext. 5905

  • I'm experiencing technical difficulties completing the First Words Communication Checkup.

    We are happy to help!


    Please call our technical support line at 613-688-3979, ext. 3434 to speak to staff who can help. 

  • I have parenting questions that may not be related to First Words

    No worries. First Words is part of the Ottawa Collaborative for Parenting Support (OCPS) who wants every parent to feel supported in being the best parent they can be! The OCPS is part of the Ottawa Child and Youth Initiative. We are a community of partners working together to build resilient families that can support their children's healthy development, feel empowered, and can cope with the ups and downs of everyday living. We recognize that all parents have questions about different areas of parenting. We want to encourage parents to Just Ask! If you have questions about any parenting issues, find more information here or contact one of the following agencies for all your parenting questions. 


    Parent Support phone line is available Monday-Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Parenting isn't always easy. Talk to someone who understands. As a family resource centre, we can help you find support in Ottawa and answer your parenting and child development questions. Access the Go Family! Interactive services map on our website.


    Parenting in Ottawa is where parents go to get in the know!  

    Speak with a public health nurse online, over the phone, or in person.  Ottawa Public Health, and its community partners, offer these free services to make it easier for children to grow up healthy.


    211 line: A free, confidential, and multilingual information and referral service connecting callers to the full range of non-emergency community, social, government, and health services.  Staffed by certified Information Referral Specialists and is available 7 days a week.

  • I am interested in volunteering.

    CHEO location: 

    If you are interested in a volunteer experience with CHEO’s Speech-Language Pathology Department,  visit the CHEO Volunteer Program. 


    Applicants who are selected for an interview will be streamed to the services at CHEO according to skill sets and preferences. An orientation before assignment will be provided.


    Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre location:

    If you are interested in volunteering in other capacities (e.g., administrative work, toy cleaning, etc.), please visit www.pqchc.com or email volunteering@pqchc.com.

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