As a proud second-year member of the Childhood League, my journey with this incredible organization began thanks to my friend (and current League member), Emily. But it wasn’t just the League I was introduced to—it was also my 2-year-old's voice!

At my daughter’s 2-year check-up, we noticed something was off. Unlike our older kids, she wasn't communicating verbally—just a few basic noises here and there. As a COVID baby, we initially thought her speech delay might be due to fewer social interactions and the whole whirlwind of the lockdown era.

Our pediatrician suggested we see an ENT, and that’s when the plot thickened. The initial hearing test with the audiologist was a shock —she failed it right away. The ENT recommended ear tubes to drain the fluid buildup blocking her hearing. We scheduled the procedure ASAP. Post-surgery, she started speech therapy at the Childhood League Center, where the magic truly began.  

With a blend of in-person visits, home check-ins, and virtual sessions with her amazing SLP, Courtney, we watched her speech skills blossom. The gap began to close, and with every session, she moved closer to catching up. The speech therapist provided us with tools to support her progress at home, and within just two months, she finally said “Mama And Dada!”—and that was just the beginning! Today, she’s a chatty, joyful, and expressive 4-year-old.

Our experience, along with the countless stories from other families, fuels my passion for the Childhood League Center. I’m committed to supporting its mission because I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact it has on children and families. Here’s to raising voices and lifting spirits—#forthekids!

-Lauren

Helpful Pediatric Speech & Hearing Support

📌 The Childhood League Center – Providing early intervention services and support for children with developmental delays.

📌 Help Me Grow Ohio – A statewide program offering free early childhood screenings and resources for families.

📌 Nationwide Children’s Hospital ENT Department – Expert care for pediatric ear, nose, and throat concerns, including hearing and speech evaluations.

📌 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Trusted information on speech and language development from certified professionals.

📌 Your Local Pediatrician – The first step in identifying speech and hearing concerns—schedule a check-up today!