Guide to TDSB SLP Services

Our Role

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in the TDSB are integral members of Professional Support Services. We provide expertise in communication, language, speech, voice, fluency, and social communication to help students access and participate fully in their learning. Our work supports the TDSB’s mission to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement, and is grounded in the Board’s values of equity, inclusion, and student well-being.

TDSB SLPs work with students, educators, and families to improve speech, language, and literacy skills.  They provide tailored suggestions to help each student succeed.

Note: TDSB SLPs do not provide one-on-one therapy.

SLPs support with assessment and consultation in the following areas:

• Speech (articulation, stuttering, voice)
  
  

• Oral Language (comprehension and expression)
  
  

• Early Literacy
  
  

• Alternative Communication and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for students with specialized communication needs
  
  

• Social Communication

Our work aligns with the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan by:

Championing equity — ensuring every student, including those with complex communication needs, has access to the curriculum

Promoting well-being — helping students develop the confidence and skills to connect with others

Building partnerships — working with educators, families, and community agencies

Supporting achievement — reducing communication barriers that impact learning 

1.  Student is identified to have speech and language needs by educators, parents/caregivers and/or external community agencies. 

2.  Student is discussed with the Speech-Language Pathologist at the School Support Team meeting (SST).  SST is organized by the School Principal.  Please visit the TDSB website for more information on SST meetings as outlined by Special Education and Inclusion.

3.  If appropriate, a referral for Speech-Language Pathologist services is initiated with the consent of the parent/caregiver(s).

4.  Once a decision has been made to proceed with a referral, parents/caregivers sign a referral form. The completed referral form is then sent to Speech-Language Pathology Services.

Your Speech-Language Pathologist will:

1.  Contact parent/caregiver to obtain Informed Consent and gather relevant background information. 

2. Conduct an assessment, which may include a review of the student's Ontario Student Record (OSR), discussion with educators, classroom observations, and administration of formal and informal measures with the student.

3.

a)  Students demonstrating oral language, literacy and functional communication needs: Determine appropriate programming.  Recommendations will be developed in collaboration with the educators, parents/caregivers and students.

b)  Students demonstrating speech needs:  Possible referral, with parent consent, to School Based Rehab Services (SBRS) for consideration of speech therapy.  SBRS are provided by the Children's Treatment Network and Grandview Kids.  Possible home/classroom programming for speech needs.

4. Oral and written reports of the results will be shared with educators and parents/caregivers.  

Supporting Your Child at School

If your child is facing challenges at school, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) follows a structured Referral Process to ensure their needs are met. If Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) services are recommended, support will be tailored to your child’s individual needs.

TDSB’s Tiered Approach to SLP Services

TDSB SLPs use a three-tier model to provide effective and inclusive support:

🏫 Tier 1 – School-Wide Support

• General support for all students, parents, and educators

• Workshops and resources on speech, language, and literacy topics

• Focus on prevention and early intervention

👥 Tier 2 – Group Support

• In-class support and strategy modeling

• Small group sessions based on school-wide needs

• Collaborative efforts with educators to build communication skills

👤 Tier 3 – Individualized Support

• One-on-one assessment and targeted support

• Referral through a School Support Team (SST) meeting

• Personalized consultation to address specific concerns

Note: TDSB SLP Services do not provide ongoing one-on-one therapy.

TDSB SLPs offer a variety of supports for parents, including:

• Resources
  
  

• Workshops
  
  

• Virtual events on topics such as kindergarten readiness and language development
  
  

Information about these supports is shared by school principals and can also be found on the TDSB website.