Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in the TDSB are integral members of Professional Support Services. We provide expertise in communication, language, speech, voice, fluency, and social communication to help students access and participate fully in their learning. Our work supports the TDSB’s mission to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement, and is grounded in the Board’s values of equity, inclusion, and student well-being.

TDSB SLPs work with students, educators, and families to improve speech, language, and literacy skills.  They provide tailored suggestions to help each student succeed.

Note: TDSB SLPs do not provide one-on-one therapy.

SLPs support with assessment and consultation in the following areas:

• Speech (articulation, stuttering, voice)
  
  

• Oral Language (comprehension and expression)
  
  

• Early Literacy
  
  

• Alternative Communication and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for students with specialized communication needs
  
  

• Social Communication

To find out more about our services click here.

If your child is facing challenges at school, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) follows a structured Referral Process to ensure their needs are met. If Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) services are recommended, support will be tailored to your child’s individual needs.

Click here to read more. 

What Is Language? 

Language is how we share thoughts, ideas, and feelings with others. It’s a system of rules that helps us communicate in meaningful ways—whether we’re talking, writing, signing, or using gestures.

Language Includes:

• Vocabulary – Knowing what words mean (e.g., “star” can mean something in the sky or a famous person).

• Morphology – Understanding how words change (e.g., “friend,” “friendly,” “unfriendly”).

• Syntax – Putting words together to form sentences (e.g., “Mary walked to her new school.”).

• Pragmatics – Using the right words for different situations (e.g., “Would you mind moving your foot?” vs. “Get off my foot!”).

If a child struggles to understand what others say (called receptive language) or has difficulty expressing their own thoughts and feelings clearly (called expressive language), they may have a language disorder.

Speech Is How We Say Language Out Loud:

• Articulation – Making speech sounds correctly.

• Voice – Using breath and vocal cords to produce sound.

• Fluency – Speaking smoothly, without stuttering or repeating.

If a child has trouble saying sounds clearly, speaking smoothly, or using their voice properly, they may have a speech disorder.

🔍 Important Note: Speech and language delays can look similar and often overlap, so it’s not always easy to tell them apart. If you’re concerned, talking to a speech-language pathologist can help clarify what’s going on and what support might be helpful.

Articulation Development & Support Tips

Wondering when children typically master speech sounds? Articulation development follows a general pattern, with most children acquiring simpler sounds like /p/, /b/, and /m/ by age 3, and more complex sounds like /r/, /s/, and /th/ by ages 6–8. These articulation norms help guide expectations—but every child develops at their own pace.

To support speech development at home or in the classroom:

• Model clear speech during everyday interactions

• Read aloud and emphasize target sounds in stories

• Play sound-based games like “I Spy” or rhyming challenges

• Encourage repetition of tricky words in a fun, pressure-free way

• Celebrate effort, not just accuracy

For detailed charts and milestones, click here. 

Phonological awareness is the foundation for reading and spelling success. It includes skills like rhyming, syllable counting, and sound blending—all essential for strong language development.

Explore activities, tips, and resources on our Phonological Awareness page to support learners at every stage.

Strong oral language skills are the foundation for literacy and academic success. Early support in speaking, listening, and vocabulary helps children become confident readers, writers, and communicators. Collaboration between educators, families, and speech-language pathologists ensures every child has the tools to thrive.

Discover strategies and resources on our Oral Language + Literacy page.

Visit our Autism page for information about Autism, Neuro-affirming  strategies, and links to additional resources. 

• DLD is a communication disorder that interferes with learning, understanding, and using language. 

• These language difficulties are not explained by other conditions, such as hearing loss or autism, or by extenuating circumstances, such as lack of exposure to language. 

• DLD can affect a child’s speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It is one of the most common developmental disorders, affecting approximately 1 in 14 children in kindergarten. The impact of DLD persists into adulthood.

Visit our DLD page to learn more. 

Emotional literacy is the ability to identify, understand, and respond to emotions in oneself and others in a healthy manner.

Visit our Social Emotional Learning and Social Communication pages to learn more. 

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes all the ways someone can communicate besides talking. AAC helps children and adults express themselves when speech isn’t enough—or isn’t possible.

Visit our AAC page for more information. 

When to See an Audiologist

• You notice that your baby/child is not responding to sound

• Your child has recurrent ear infections

• Your child complains of ear aches

• Your child's speech and/or language is delayed

• Your child's speech is unclear or difficult to understand

• You notice that your child needs to turn up the TV or radio volume excessively

• You child has a genetic ear disorder

If you have concerns about someone's hearing or balance, contact an audiologist. The College can assist you in finding an audiologist in your local area.

In Ontario, hearing assessments for children can be free or paid, depending on the provider and your child's age or medical history.

Publicly Funded Options

• Infant Hearing Program (IHP): If your child is a newborn or under 4 months and didn't receive a hearing screen at birth, they may be eligible for a free screening through Ontario’s Infant Hearing Program.

• OHIP Coverage: Hearing assessments are not always covered by OHIP, especially if done outside hospitals or ENT clinics. However, some publicly funded clinics may offer free assessments if referred by a physician.

Private Clinics

• Private clinics offer assessments for children 10 months and older without needing a doctor’s referral.

Tips

• If cost is a concern, ask your family doctor for a referral to a hospital-based audiology clinic.

• Some clinics may offer sliding scale fees or accept insurance plans.

Click here for more information.