Parent Training & Coaching for Preschool Language
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See Why Clients Choose Vitality Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, & Massage, Ottawa, ON
Common reasons families reach out
You want to stimulate your preschooler's language
You want practical, real-life strategies
You want to be coached during play and routines
You want every interaction to count
Understanding the Concern
What Is Parent Training & Hanen Coaching?
Decades of research show that parent-implemented language intervention is one of the most effective approaches for young children with language delays. Why? Because parents have hundreds of language opportunities every day — far more than a clinic-based therapist can offer in weekly sessions.
The Hanen approach is the gold standard in parent training. Programs like It Takes Two to Talk (for late talkers) and More Than Words (for children on the autism spectrum) teach parents specific, observable strategies to follow their child’s lead, expand on what their child says, and create more language opportunities.
At Vitality Kids, our SLPs are trained to deliver Hanen-informed coaching either as a structured program or as integrated parent coaching alongside direct therapy.
Best fit for families who...
- Have a toddler or preschooler with a language delay
- Want to take an active role in therapy
- Have time to practice between sessions
- Want strategies that fit real life
- Prefer in-the-moment coaching over drills
- Want to set their child up for kindergarten
Movement & Milestone Checklists
Vitality Kids Family Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre
Know the Signs
Strategies You'll Learn
OWL: Observe, Wait, Listen — slowing down so your child has space to communicate, instead of jumping in.
Following your child's lead — joining their play and commenting on what they're interested in, rather than directing.
Modeling and expanding — taking what your child says and adding one or two words to grow their language.
Strategic questions — asking questions that invite real communication, not yes/no answers.
Daily routine talk — turning bath time, meals, and getting dressed into language-rich moments.
Note: These techniques are simple to learn but transformative when used consistently. Most parents see noticeable change in their child’s communication within weeks.
Why Ottawa Parents Choose Us
The Vitality Kids Difference
Registered SLPs
Play-based therapy
Family-centred plans
Direct billing
How We Help
How Parent Coaching Works at Vitality Kids
01
Initial Assessment
02
Live Coaching Sessions
Video Review (Optional)
Progress Check-Ins
Heard From Ottawa Families
- Ottawa location
- Parking
- Transit
- Insurers we direct-bill
Meet Our Pediatric Speech & Language Pathologist
Elaine Down
Book an appointment with Elaine Down
Speech & Language Pathologist
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer the official "It Takes Two to Talk" group program?
My child is in therapy already. Can I add parent coaching?
What if I don't have time to practice every day?
Will parent coaching work for my child with autism?
Related Concerns
Explore Other Speech & Language Areas
Articulation & Phonological
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Phonological Awareness
Language & Disorder
Selective Mutism Support
Reading & Writing
Ready to take the next step?
Visit Us
Vitality Kids — Riverside South, Ottawa
Click any concern below to learn about signs, our approach, and how we tailor therapy for children in Riverside South and across Ottawa.
Vitality Kids Family Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre
Address
Earl Armstrong Plaza
160 Blanca Street, Unit 9
Gloucester, ON K1V 2V6
PHONE
Parking & Transit
Free on-site parking at Earl Armstrong Plaza. Accessible by OC Transpo bus routes serving Riverside South and Findlay Creek.
Areas We Serve
Riverside South, Findlay Creek, Barrhaven, Manotick, Greely, and surrounding south Ottawa communities.
Join our Community
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Vitality is a physiotherapy and wellness centre with four locations in Ottawa, Kemptville, and Kanata, Ontario, Canada.
Locations
Vitality Kids
Earl Armstrong Plaza- 160 Blanca Street, Unit 9
Hours
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