For a 3-year-old with a vocabulary of about 100 words and no use of 2-word phrases, what intervention is most appropriate?

Referring the child to a local early development intervention program is the most appropriate course of action in this situation. At three years old, children typically have a vocabulary of at least 200-300 words and often start to use two-word phrases to express their needs and thoughts. A vocabulary of 100 words with no use of two-word phrases indicates a delay in language development that could benefit from specialized support.

Early development intervention programs are designed to address developmental delays in young children and provide tailored strategies and resources to foster communication skills effectively. Such programs often involve a multidisciplinary approach, including speech-language therapy, which focuses specifically on enhancing language acquisition and expressive language skills.

Starting speech therapy immediately may not be the best first step, as early intervention programs can offer a more comprehensive and guided approach that includes not just speech therapy but also other developmental aspects. Waiting until the child reaches age four could delay necessary support, which is crucial for effective language development during this critical period. While recommending books and home activities can be helpful for skill reinforcement, it may not be sufficient alone for a child showing significant delay and would be better suited as a supplementary strategy once appropriate intervention is underway.