• What is a communication problem?

    A communication disorder is an impairment which has a direct influence on the social, emotional, and academic development of the child. It is the responsibility of the speech/ language pathologist (SLP) to aid in correcting this disorder by implementing a program specifically to meet the individual needs of the student.

    What services does a speech/language pathologist offer?

    The services offered by the SLP are extended to all school age students to the age of 21. The population includes all students enrolled in regular education and/or any area of disability.

    A speech and language clinician is responsible for remediation of the following communication disorders: Language, Articulation, Voice, and Fluency. The areas of dysphagia, assistive technology, phonological awareness, and auditory processing are also included within this realm. Further, a wide range of itinerant services are provided, including:

    1. Direct Services to Children

    a. Individual Screening based on teacher or parent request

    b. Diagnostic Evaluation

    c. Individual Education Program (IEP)

    d. Evaluation Reports

    e. Transition Services

    f. Extended School Year Services

    2. Related Services

    a. Parent Counseling for Speech/Language Development

    b. Teacher Interaction

    c. Referrals (i.e. School Personnel, Medical Doctor, Dentist, Parent)

    d. Consultation with other educational/health professionals

    e. Multidisciplinary Team Meetings

    f. Case Selection/Scheduling/Dismissals

    g. Record Keeping

    h. Report Writing

    i. Collection of Statistical Data

    How does a child get enrolled in the Speech/Language Support Program?

    Enrollment in the speech/language program begins when either the parent or school personnel refers the child for a multidisciplinary team evaluation. The evaluation will include classroom observation, information from the parents, the teachers, other professional personnel, and testing. The evaluation results and recommendations are included in a comprehensive written report which is forwarded to the parent and other members of the IEP team.

    The IEP Team Includes

    -The parent or legal guardian

    -The child, if appropriate

    -The child's teacher, including the speech/language pathologist

    -A school district representative

    -Any person who is interested in and knowledgeable about your child such as the school psychologist, speech therapist, reading specialist, or school nurse.

    If your child meets eligibility requirements for enrollment in the speech/language support program, an IEP is developed to identify the needs and to write the program for specially designed instruction.

    An IEP includes a description of present levels, strengths, needs, annual goals, short-term objectives, related services, program modifications, participation in state and district-wide assessments, and regular class participation in the general education curriculum.