Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for monitoring and analyzing the language environment and the development of a key child. A key child's language environment and language development can be monitored without placing artificial limitations on the key child's activities or requiring a third party observer. The language environment can be analyzed to identify words, vocalizations, or other noises directed to or spoken by the key child, independent of content. The analysis can include the number of responses between the child and another, such as an adult and the number of words spoken by the child and/or another, independent of content of the speech. One or more metrics can be determined based on the analysis and provided to assist in improving the language environment and/or tracking language development of the key child.