Child development

When should I check a child’s speech development?

Article author: mgr Aneta Świderska - Dyrektor, Opiekun, LektorPublished: 18 October 2026

In brief

It is worth consulting a specialist when a child’s speech clearly lags behind peers of the same age, when they struggle to understand simple instructions or rarely communicate. A doctor or a psychological-pedagogical clinic (poradnia) makes the diagnosis. Do not wait if you have doubts.

This article is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor, a speech therapist or a clinic. Every child develops at their own pace.

What is speech development?

Speech develops gradually, from babbling and copying sounds, through first words, to short sentences. Every child has their own pace, and differences between peers are often normal.

It helps to observe whether your child understands what we say to them, whether they want to communicate and whether they try to copy sounds and words.

When to pay attention

Speech clearly lags behind peers of the same age
The child struggles to understand simple instructions
The child rarely communicates or does not copy sounds and words
People outside the family often do not understand what the child says
The child loses skills they had already gained

What can a parent do at home?

Talk with your child every day, name what you are doing together and read books. Use simple, full sentences and give your child time to answer.

Avoid correcting every mistake or making the child repeat words. It is better to answer with a correct sentence and praise the attempt.

How do we support speech in the centre?

At the nursery, children are under early speech-therapy observation. When needed, we run individual sessions once a week.

At the kindergarten, individual speech-therapy work takes place once a week. You can find out more on the specialist support page.

If we notice something worth checking, we talk with the parents and agree on the next steps.

Where to go for help?

Talk to a doctor
The first step is usually a conversation with your paediatrician or family doctor, who can assess your child’s development.
Go to a psychological-pedagogical clinic
The clinic (poradnia psychologiczno-pedagogiczna) carries out an assessment and issues an opinion, which helps decide on further support.
Ask about early development support
Early development support (wczesne wspomaganie rozwoju) helps young children with developmental difficulties. Ask your doctor or the clinic whether it would help.
Combine support with the centre
Carers and specialists at the centre watch your child in the group and can support them with activities. We agree together on what will help most.

Common questions about speech

Does every child who talks later have a problem?

No. Differences in the pace of development are common. If you have doubts, though, it is worth talking to a specialist rather than waiting.

Does the kindergarten diagnose children?

No. A doctor or a psychological-pedagogical clinic makes the diagnosis. The centre observes the child in the group and runs supportive activities.

Are there speech-therapy sessions at the centre?

Yes. At the kindergarten, there is individual speech-therapy work once a week. At the nursery, there is early observation and individual sessions when needed.

Want to know more?

Get in touch by phone or email. We are happy to answer your questions and arrange a visit.