What Is a Speech and Language Development Assessment?
A speech and language development assessment is a structured evaluation that measures a child's ability to understand language (receptive skills) and to produce sounds, words, and sentences (expressive skills) relative to developmental norms for their age. At Stars Assessment Center in San Jose, Northern CA, speech and language assessments for children ages 0 to 3 identify delays early so that the most responsive period of language development is not missed.
Speech delays are one of the most common concerns parents bring to their child's pediatrician. An assessment answers the question every worried parent is asking: is my child's communication on track, and what do we do if it is not? Our team provides clear answers and a clear path forward.
Stars Assessment Center provides bilingual assessment support in Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Mandarin. Language should never be a barrier to getting answers about your child's development.
Signs Your Child May Need a Speech and Language Assessment
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child:
- Is not cooing or babbling by 4–6 months
- Has not said a first word by 12 months
- Is not using two-word phrases by age 2
- Uses significantly fewer words than children of a similar age
- Does not consistently respond to their name
- Has difficulty following simple verbal instructions
- Seems frustrated when trying to communicate needs
- Has lost speech or communication skills they previously used
Early communication concerns can look different from child to child, and an evaluation can help determine what support may be helpful.
How a Speech and Language Assessment Works at Stars
- Initial Consultation: We review your child's communication history and milestone timeline before the formal evaluation begins.
- Receptive and Expressive Language Evaluation: A specialist assesses both what your child understands and what they are able to communicate at their current age.
- Findings Reviewed: We explain all results in plain language, what we found, what it means, and what it does not mean.
- Written Report and Recommendations: You receive a detailed report and guidance on early intervention or therapy options if indicated.
What To Expect at Stars Assessment Center
- Evaluations are designed to feel engaging and child-friendly
- Specialists use play and interaction to assess communication naturally
- Parents and caregivers remain actively involved throughout the process
- Sessions are paced according to your child’s attention and comfort level
- You receive clear findings, recommendations, and next-step guidance
Why Families Choose Stars for Speech and Language Assessments
- Specialists in communication development for children ages 0-3
- Assessments may be covered through the California Early Start program at no cost to eligible families
- Free initial evaluation with no upfront commitment
- Bilingual support in Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Mandarin; we assess children in their home language
- Serving families across Santa Clara County, San Benito County, and Santa Cruz County
Is This Service Covered?
Speech and language assessments at Stars Assessment Center may be available at no cost for eligible families through California's Early Start program.
We do not bill private insurance. Our team can help determine whether your child may qualify for covered services and guide you through the evaluation process.
Note: Stars Assessment Center does not accept private insurance. Early Start program eligibility is determined during the free initial evaluation.
Supporting Early Communication With Clarity and Care
Understand your child's speech and language development with expert guidance, thoughtful answers, and personalized next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most children say their first words by 12 months and use 2-word phrases by 24 months. If your 18-month-old has no words, a speech and language evaluation is recommended.
Receptive language is what your child understands. Expressive language is what they produce, including sounds, words, and sentences. Both are evaluated in a speech and language assessment.
Yes. Stars Assessment Center provides bilingual assessment support in Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Mandarin. We assess your child in the language they communicate in most naturally.
You receive a written report with specific recommendations. Our team helps connect your child to speech therapy or Early Start services depending on your child's eligibility and identified needs.