Speech Sound Development Norms
LIsted below are the sound developmental norms Davidson County Schools uses as a guideline when considering eligibility for speech services within our public schools. This is the most recent normative data endorsed by the American Speech, Hearing and Language Association. DCS adapted these norms during the 2022-2023 school year. For a student to receive school-based speech and language services there must be a definable impact on their academic and functional performance at school.
By the age of three MOST children have mastered the p, b, m, n, d, t, w, f, h, g, k, ng, y sounds.
By the age of four MOST children have mastered the l, s, z, v, j, ch, sh sounds.
By the age of five MOST children have mastered the s blends, zh, r sounds.
By the age of six MOST children have mastered the th sounds.