There is an extensive need so school-based speech language pathologists, or SLPs, in schools nationwide. Speech-language deficits are one of the most common childhood disabilities. It takes a special SLP to fulfill the role of a school-based SLP.
Creativity
Kids love to explore. As an SLP, it is important to be open to new experiences and infuse the element of creativity in your therapy. Seek out new exercises that will grow as both your patient, and you as an SLP.
Organize
You sit down to write an IEP for a student you are working with. You pull out your detailed files from past sessions and come up with a plan you think fits the child’s specific needs. Imagine if you had skipped the detailed note taking and left it up to your memory to recall the specifics. It would likely be more challenging and result in a less impactful IEP. Staying organized and keeping progress notes up to date will make your life easier and your work more effective.
Motivate
School is a child’s “workplace” where they begin to learn who they are with a sense of independence. An SLP not only works on specific challenges, such as stuttering or slow vocabulary development, but at the same time builds confidence and a feeling of inclusion with the rest of the class – undoubtedly skills that will travel with them through life.
Collaborate
School-based SLPs will gather information from other caregivers such as teachers, parents, and doctors, to develop a cohesive action plan that nets the best result for the child. Strong listening skills and a team approach will serve an SLP well in any school system.
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