2 yr old language issue

I have a part time little girl here, who just turned 2, has been here a month ( 2 days a week), who has VERY limited vocabulary ( hi, bye, mama, dada, blue and bye) and makes animal sounds ( moo, baa, etc), and she grunts a lot, but what concerns me is that she doesn't indicate yes or no to any questions ( like- are you all done, or even asking just-done?)... Apparently mom and dad said she doesn't at home either. When I ask her anything she just looks at me, no indication she hears me..

She is slowly starting to respond sometimes to simple requests (get your shoes please etc) although I need to ask repeatedly 5-6 times or she may just be following what the other kids are doing ).. She hears sounds outside, seems engaged in circle time, enjoys watching the other kids play ( and starting to interact with them more). She cried repeatedly throughout the day first 2 weeks, but good now.

She's had little experience in care previously ( just daycare at church).

I read to kids, we do circle time songs, finger plays, I use baby signing, she responds to claps( turns toward noise), we listen to music,etc.

Any advice or tips? Has anyone else had a child that age that didn't use yes or no or even indicate a preference? Just seems a bit odd..it's a vacant stare I get to any questions...

Is she just overwhelmed? If she isn't used to group care and only comes 2x a week she might be over stimulated and kind of tuning out the noise and commotion? Or just overwhelmed and not responding quickly?

It sounds like she has enough words that she is able to hear and speak. How are the parents with her? Do they seem like the type to engage her and expect her to talk or do they talk for her?

From what I am reading I don't really think you have any major concern here. The child is still young and is new to care and isn't in full time care so will may take a while yet to be comfortable.

The DCG I have now didn't have much language at that age. She was big on grunting and used that to communicate. Then she had a massive leap in language then just stopped for a long time then another massive leap in language. She is just the type of kid that seemingly stops progressing and gets behind in the milestones then leaps ahead to catch up over night. Perhaps your girl is the same. My DCG also did the vacant stare. A lot.

If she is enjoying circle time and other group times and is seemingly understanding some requests then just keep watching. Start your requests to her with her name and make sure she is making eye contact before you give the request so she can focus in on you.

If she were full time I would start demanding a yes or no response before she gets snack etc. But being only 2x a week and only there for a month so far I would likely wait to start that.

I completely agree with Lee-Bee, some kids just come to these things slower than others, but oh boy, when they catch up!

I have seen this too. I like to play the "yes, no" game with children who do this. In my experience, it could be a matter of her not understanding what a choice is, let alone making one.

So we play "yes, no" like this. I smile and say "yes" while nodding. Then I frown and say "no" while shaking my head. Then repeat. Over and over and over. All while looking at the child. The older kids think this is hilarious because I'm making faces and the little one learns the yes and no. I continue this with "yes" (giving the cup or toy) and "no" (taking the cup/toy away.) Over and over. At snack, for example, I might give and take the milk cup 10x each time saying "yes" or "no." It can go on for weeks and expand in to all aspects of your interactions. With shoes, on, off. With toys, in, out. Make a point of asking the older children (if you have any) yes or no questions and make sure the 2yo is hearing the question and answer.

Seeing as she's only coming 2x/week, it may just take a bit longer for you to see results.

I also make a note to check on her speech is in about 4 months and they suggest to Mom to check with a local speech specialist as there is a year or more waiting list before they finally see them so it is good to have their name on the list and if their speech is delayed they will be seen to before they go to school at age 5