"I am a zizzer zazzer zuzz as you can plainly see." Dr. Seuss
What is speech/language pathology?Speech-Language Pathology (Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), or informally speech therapists) specialize in communication disorders. The main components of speech production include: phonation, the process of sound production; resonance; intonation, the variation of pitch; and voice, including aeromechanical components of respiration. The main components of language include: phonology, the manipulation of sound according to the rules of the language; morphology, the understanding and use of the minimal units of meaning; syntax, the grammar rules for constructing sentences in language; semantics, the interpretation of meaning from the signs or symbols of communication; and pragmatics, the social aspects of communication. |
How do students qualify for SLP services?Children who are having difficulty with speech (articulation, voice or fluency) can be referred by parents, teachers or the school speech therapist for an evaluation. If a child's speech is interferring with their academics or with their social interactions they may be eligible for speech services.
Children who are having difficulty with language skills, will be referred to the Response to Intervention team. After interventions are implemented for a length of time, and if the team is not seeing adequate progress, children may be referred for a language evaluation. A child can be eligibile for language services from a standardized test, SLP observations and team agreement for a need for services. Once a child meets eligibility criteria for speech and or language services, an Individualized Education Plan meeting is scheduled with the parents where an IEP is developed and a child can be staffed in for the necessary services. |
How are SLP services delivered to students?Once a child is staffed in for services, the duration and frequency of services is determined on a case by case basis. Services are not delivered during instructional/teaching time. The service is a pull-out model and the interventions are delivered in the SLP's classroom.
Nicole Escobar MS CCC-SLP Email me at: [email protected] |