What is a Speech/Language Specialist?
When I speak or write to parents and other professionals I refer to myself as a Speech/Language Specialist because
that is what my most current state certificate is titled. I refer to myself as the "Speech Teacher" when I am speaking
to my students. I have also been referred to as the speech therapist, speech pathologist, speech /language therapist, speech teacher,
and speech correctionist.
So just what does a SLS do? In the school setting, I wear many hats. Here are a few of the things I do:
*act a resource person to parents, administrators and teachers . Anyone in the school setting might
ask me for verbal or written information about communication disorders or consult with me
regarding a particular child.
*screen children at various grade levels in order to determine which children may be at risk for a communication
disorder.
*evaluate children (with parental permission) in order to determine their current speech and language development.
*meet with parents and teachers to develop evaluation plans, determine eligibility for speech/language services, and
develop IEP's (Individualized Educational Programs).
*If your child has been referred for speech you will be hearing from me shortly. The process begins with me observing your child in the classroom. We will then meet to discuss if your child is in need of an evaluation. After the evaluation, we will meet again to discuss the results and if warranted, create an Individual Education Plan (IEP), designed specifically for your child. Then your child will be scheduled for therapy. Therapy occurs during the school day only.
*prepare written diagnostic reports and IEP's.
*provide therapy for those students who are identified as being eligible for the program.
*make appropriate referrals to other professionals in and out of the building. The children I work with may have
articulation, voice, fluency, or language difficulties.
*In the State of New Jersey, one must have a master's degree in speech pathology plus many hours of supervised
clinical experience in order to receive school certification plus ongoing continuing education. The field of speech
and language pathology is an exciting one. It is everchanging and offers a wide variety of experiences.
*For speech specialists within the district:
New Service Delivery Model for Speech-Language Specialist, Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapists:
* 3:1 Model - Consult Week discription is listed under the Main Menu on the right side of my homepage:
*Consult weeks listed on Calendar 2023-2024
*Resources and activities for speech and language enrichment for parents and students.
Online Activities for Speech and Language: