Frequently Asked Questions

Post date: May 10, 2011 10:43:24 PM

What is an IEP?

An IEP is an Individualized Educational Plan that is designed by a team (ex. SLP, OT/PT, teacher, parent, principle, etc.) to meet the unique educational needs of one child, who may have a disability, as defined by federal regulations

Why does my child need an Evaluation in the area of Communication?

Some children demonstrate difficulties expressing or understanding ideas in their general education classroom setting. Or your child is producing speech that is hard to understand. These errors are likely atypical when compared to other children their gender and age. When these difficulties impact their abilities to communicate in their classrooms they may be eligible for specially designed instruction in the area of communication.

When is my child's next IEP?

An IEP is an annual process. The next IEP is one year minus a day from the last meeting date. This is information you can call your child's' SLP and ask at any time. If you have kept your child's documents, it will likely be stated on the "cover page" of your most recent IEP.

When is my child's next re-evaluation?

This process is every 3 years. Legally your child's progress should be updated every 3 years. If your child appears to have mastered their goals, a re-evaluation can be completed to update progress and look into dismissal of services. This information is also on the "cover page" of your most recent IEP. If you do not have these documents you can easily contact the SLP and inquire about the specific time and place.

What is articulation?

Articulation is the way we produce our speech sounds.

What is expressive language?

Language that is produced

What is receptive language?

Comprehension and understanding of language.

How can I get a hold of my child's SLP?

Contact your school office manager and ask to be connected or for a direct line number. Check your students IEP on the invitation page it should have a phone number to contact the provider/case manager

How long is my child receiving speech therapy a week?

Typically students with complex articulation delays/distortions, and or severe language delays, receive 30 minutes 3 times a month (30 min 1 time a week)

Students with moderate delays receive approximately 15-20 minutes 3 times a month (15-20 min 1 time a week)

Students who have mild delays may receive 10 minutes of pull out speech therapy 3 times a month and/or consultation time that is served in the classroom.

See your recent IEP for specific. It is located on the services page of the IEP.

What is an indirect service week?

The Edmonds School District follows a 3:1 model. This week allows the SLP to consult with the student's teacher and observe the student in class to see if any additional strategies may be offered to increase accuracy of target skills in the classroom and improve generalization of skills outside the SLP office. This occurs approximately every 3 weeks and is listed on the services page of the IEP under Supplementary Aids and Services (for general education classrooms) and/or related service (for intensive support classrooms).

Will my child always have difficulty saying his/her speech sounds?

This depends. Progress will be more evident if the student is practicing daily at home. I have documented 3-5 students progress who were able to document practice at home via parent signature and phone calls confirming practice. These students improved significantly quicker than children who don't practice at home. Practicing at home can reduce the child's need for pull out speech therapy by years. Students who demonstrate 5-10 minutes of practice a day, show greater improvement than those who don't practice at all at home. As many people you can get on board (teachers, parents, siblings, extended family, OT/PT, etc) the quicker they will master their target sounds. If the child has additional difficulties (i.e., Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Autistic, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, etc.) articulation precision may never be achieved, but the goal is always to help the child be as intelligible as possible.