Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does my child qualify for speech therapy?

A: If you have concerns regarding your child's speech and language, please reach out to your academy's speech language pathologist. Once you have connected with them, they will discuss the various support options that they may want to try and the process for each.

Q: Who is on my child's team?

A: Your child's team will consist of a variety of providers and staff members. Depending on who your case manager is and what services your child has, your team may consist of the following people:

• An administrative representative

• General education teacher

• School Psychologist

• Speech language pathologist

• Education specialist

• Occupational therapist

• Physical therapist

• Behavioralist

But the most important team member will always be you and your child. You are a vital and valued member of the team and we always encourage families to ask questions and provide additional information during IEP's and during your child's stay in inclusive education.

Q: How often will we meet to discuss my child's progress?

A: You will receive formal progress on your child's goals throughout the year. Each academy will have a different progress reporting schedule. Please contact your academy's speech language pathologist or case manager for the specific frequency. Additionally, we will review your child's goals and academic progress during their annual IEP which occurs each year.

Q: How long will my child need speech therapy?

A: Unfortunately, there is no way to tell exactly how long a student will need speech therapy once they have entered speech therapy. However, your child will be reassessed every three years to see if they continue to qualify to be in inclusive education. Some factors that could impact how quickly your child graduates from speech include:

• The age when your child enters speech

• The type of disorder

• The severity of the disorder

• The frequency of practice outside the speech room

• If your child has any additional disorders

Q: Is this a speech problem my child might grow out of as they get older?

A: In most cases, if a speech or language disorder is identified by your speech language pathologist, your child will require intervention to help remediate the disorder.

Q: What is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?

A: An IEP is a legal inclusive education document that is written individually for your child's needs. An IEP consists of goals that will address your child's disability as well as any additional supports your child may need to support their progress in inclusive education. These may include state testing modifications and classroom accommodations and modifications.

Q: What is a 504 Plan?

A: A 504 Plan is a formal document that supports students with disabilities primarily through the use of classroom accommodations. These plans often support students who require additional classroom supports due to a medical diagnosis.

Q: Is there anything I can do to help my child?

A: That's a wonderful question! The best way to help your child is to continue to work with them at home everyday on their speech and language goals. It doesn't have to be a lot as 5-10 minutes of intense practice at home per day is plenty.

Q: When does my child get seen?

A: Your child will be seen during the school day. Each child will be seen for the amount of time that is determined during your IEP meeting for their specific needs.

Q: Will speech therapy effect their classroom time?

A: Depending on your child's IEP and how much intervention they require, speech therapy may effect your child's time in the classroom. Children who are beginning speech therapy require more intense and direct intervention which will effect their time in the classroom. Your child's general education teacher and myself will find a time that will be the least restrictive to their participation in their general education classroom.

Q: When can I request a formal meeting with you and the team?

A: You can request a formal meeting that is not your annual IEP meeting at anytime through your case manager.

Q: Who is my child seen with?

A: Children who qualify for speech therapy are seen individually or in a small group.