What is a Speech-language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathology is a science-based clinical service profession. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. In the school setting, SLPs help identify and treat a wide-range of communication needs that can negatively impact a child's educational performance. 

Using evidence based methods aligned with the child's needs while also considering educational and stakeholder input, SLPs provide intervention to support a child's communication needs. These interventions are provided during the school day. Most commonly, these communication needs include articulation, receptive and expressive language, fluency, and/or voice skills. When identifying these deficits, SLPs look at how they are affecting a child as a whole-- academically, socially/emotionally, and functionally. 

What is Speech?

"Speech" is often the umbrella term used when describing the services a speech language pathologist provides in the school setting. However, speech is just one area of communication a speech language pathologist can support in the school setting. Speech includes articulation (production of speech sounds), speech fluency (e.g. stuttering or cluttering), and voice. Language is defined as the understanding and use of a spoken, written, and/or communication symbol system. 

A Message to Parents/Guardians

• Please note the provision of speech-language therapy services in the school system is based on a child's eligibility for special education. 

• For parents of current speech students: If you would like resources to help support your child's communication needs at home, please contact me via email a phone. I can help develop a home program that aligns with your family's daily routines and needs to maximize opportunities for practice. 

• For parents of non-speech students: If you have concerns about your child's communication skills, please contact your child's homeroom teacher and/or call the Grovetown Elementary School's front office and ask to speak with a school administrator. 

Grovetown Elementary School: 706-863-0800