Related Services

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

Speech-language pathologists play a vital role in helping students develop the communication skills they need to be successful in school and in life. In public school settings, SLPs support students with challenges in articulation (how sounds are produced), expressive and receptive language (how students use and understand language), fluency (such as stuttering), voice, and pragmatic or social communication. They work directly with students through individual sessions, small groups, or classroom-based interventions. SLPs also collaborate closely with teachers, special educators, and families to support language-rich classroom environments and ensure students can access academic content, participate in social interactions, and express themselves effectively across school settings.

Occupational Therapists (OTs)

Occupational therapists in schools focus on helping students gain independence and improve the physical, cognitive, sensory, and motor skills they need to participate fully in their school day. This can include developing fine motor skills (such as handwriting, using scissors, or manipulating classroom tools), supporting self-regulation and sensory processing, building daily living skills, and enhancing executive functioning (like organizing materials and managing time). OTs assess students to determine how challenges in these areas may impact learning, and then provide interventions in a variety of settings—from one-on-one therapy to classroom-based supports. They often work alongside teachers and parents to modify tasks or environments to help students be as successful and independent as possible.

Physical Therapists (PTs)

Physical therapists support students whose physical and motor challenges impact their ability to access and participate in their school environment. PTs work with students on gross motor development, such as walking, running, climbing stairs, maintaining posture, improving balance and coordination, and navigating playgrounds or school hallways safely. They may also assist with adaptive equipment, mobility aids, or positioning strategies to support students' physical access to learning. In collaboration with teachers, school nurses, and other team members, physical therapists ensure that students can move safely and independently throughout their school day and engage in both academic and recreational activities.

School Psychologists

School psychologists are licensed professionals who assess and support students’ learning, behavior, and mental health needs. They conduct comprehensive evaluations to help identify learning disabilities, developmental delays, emotional or behavioral disorders, and other factors that may impact school success. School psychologists are a key part of special education eligibility teams and help design individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs). In addition to assessment, they provide counseling, social-emotional skill building, and crisis intervention, and consult with teachers and families to promote student well-being. Their work supports a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.

School Counselors

School counselors provide comprehensive support to students in the areas of academic achievement, career development, and social-emotional growth. They work with all students—not just those with IEPs—through whole-class lessons, small group counseling, and individual meetings. In elementary school, they may focus on skills like friendship, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. In middle and high school, they also assist with academic planning, goal setting, and postsecondary transitions. School counselors are often a first point of contact for students facing personal challenges and serve as liaisons between home and school to ensure every student has access to the supports they need to succeed.

School Social Workers

School social workers support students and families by addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect a student’s ability to learn. They help connect families with community resources, support students facing personal or family challenges, and assist with attendance concerns, transitions, or crisis situations. Social workers often provide individual or group counseling, help develop social-emotional learning strategies, and contribute to IEP and 504 plan teams. They collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and outside providers to create wraparound support systems that promote student wellness and success both in and out of school.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)

BCBAs are highly trained professionals who specialize in the science of behavior and learning. In school settings, they assess students who have challenging behaviors that interfere with learning, and develop individualized behavior intervention plans based on data and evidence-based practices. BCBAs often work with students with autism or other developmental disabilities, though their expertise can benefit any student requiring structured behavioral support. They also coach teachers and support staff on how to implement interventions consistently, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to promote positive behaviors and reduce barriers to learning.

Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDHH)

Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing are specialized educators who support students with hearing loss. They help ensure that students can access spoken and written language, classroom instruction, and social interactions in ways that align with their communication mode—whether it’s spoken language, sign language, or a combination. TDHHs work directly with students to build listening, speechreading, self-advocacy, and academic skills, and consult with classroom teachers on strategies to support hearing access. They also assist with hearing technology, such as hearing aids or FM systems, and advocate for accommodations to create inclusive learning environments.

Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist

Assistive technology specialists evaluate and support the use of technology tools that help students overcome barriers to learning. This can include devices or software that assist with reading, writing, organization, communication, access to the curriculum, or physical mobility. AT specialists assess student needs, recommend appropriate tools (like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, adapted keyboards, or visual supports), and train students and staff to use them effectively. They work closely with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure that assistive technology is integrated into the student’s educational experience and supports meaningful access to learning.

Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC) specialists support students who have limited verbal speech by helping them access tools and strategies that allow them to communicate. These tools may range from picture boards and manual sign systems to high-tech speech-generating devices. AAC specialists collaborate with SLPs, teachers, and families to assess communication needs, select appropriate systems, train students and staff, and ensure that students can express themselves effectively across environments. Their goal is to help students develop autonomy and a voice in their learning and social experiences.

Audiological services in public schools are designed to support students with hearing loss or auditory processing challenges that impact their access to spoken language and learning. School-based audiologists assess hearing ability, monitor the use and effectiveness of hearing technology (such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or FM/DM systems), and help determine how hearing issues affect academic performance. They work closely with teachers, families, and other related service providers—especially speech-language pathologists and Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing—to ensure students have full auditory access in the classroom. Audiologists may also provide recommendations for classroom acoustics, seating arrangements, and the use of assistive listening devices to optimize a student’s ability to hear and learn.