Child First Speech

This topic is not that cool or interesting. But it is incredibly important.

Time Management Tips for School-Based SLPs 😳🥳
Because somehow we’re expected to evaluate never-ending referrals, see all the kids, attend all the meetings… Personally - I value quality therapy and evaluations over sitting in every second of every IEP meeting.

Here are a few strategies that have actually helped me save time:

🗂️ 1. Get Excused from Dual IEPs When Appropriate
If you don’t need to be present for the whole meeting, a quick parent phone call can go a long way. Explain your input, answer questions, and request an excusal ahead of time. It’s respectful, efficient, and frees up precious therapy minutes. Of course, confirm parents are in agreement with new goals and schedule of service. Answer questions and be open to parent feedback.

🧠 2. Write Present Levels + Draft Goals Before the Meeting
Sending your PLAAFP and goal drafts to the team ahead of staffing helps everyone come prepared — and cuts the meeting time in half. Plus, you get clearer, more thoughtful goals when you’re not writing them on the fly.

🎒 3. Keep a Library of Low-Prep Therapy Materials
Visuals, quick articulation lists, language task cards, short reading passages… whatever is appropriate for your caseload. Having grab-and-go materials ready means less time prepping and more time connecting with kids.

📝 4. Batch Your Documentation
Set specific blocks for Medicaid notes, progress reports, and email catch-up. Protect those minutes like gold.

✨ Being an SLP in the schools is no small task. Work smarter, protect your time, and give yourself so much grace. You’re doing amazing work. 💛

I truly believe calling a parents before meetings is meaningful and more personal!

✨ Thinking about picking up part-time work as an SLP or SLPA? Public schools might be the perfect fit — especially if you’re a contractor, stay-at-home parent, or just looking for more flexibility. Here’s why 👇

📚 Built-In Structure
School schedules are predictable. No evenings. No weekends. Perfect for work-life balance.

👶 Family-Friendly Hours
Ideal for parents! Get your work done while the kids are at school, and be home in time for homework, sports, dinner!

💼 Supplement Your Income
Great way to earn extra without overcommitting. Many districts are open to part-time or contract roles.

🧠 Meaningful Work
Support students who truly need your voice and skills — and make a lasting impact, even in just a few days a week.

🕓 Schedule Flexibility
Many schools are open to 2–3 day schedules, depending on the district.

🌱 Low-Pressure Growth
Dip your toes into school-based work without diving in full-time — and decide if it’s right for you long-term.

🎯 Whether you’re looking for flexibility, purpose, or a part-time side hustle — school-based speech might be your next best move!

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📍Have questions about getting started in schools part-time? This is how I started this whole thing!!!! Send me a message!💬

[email protected]

✨ New to Public Schools as an SLP or SLPA? Let’s Decode the acronyms and abbrevs! 🧠📚

📌 Key Acronyms:
👶 ECSE – Early Childhood Special Education
🏫 FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education
🧩 IEP – Individualized Education Program
🔄 LRE – Least Restrictive Environment
✅ BIP – Behavior Intervention Plan
📊 PLAAFP – Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance

📌 Common Disability Categories:
🧠 ID – Intellectual Disability
🗣️ SI– Speech Impairment
📘 LD – Learning Disability
ED – Emotional Disturbance
OHI – Other Health Impairment (ADHD is often categorized under this)
🧩 AU– Autism
🪑 MD – Multiple Disabilities
⚖️ TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury
👂 HI – Hearing Impairment
👁️ VI – Visual Impairment
🧒 DD – Developmental Delay

🧑‍🏫 Also common:
🧬 Life Skills – Functional academic classrooms
🔧 Resource – Targeted academic support
🌍 Gen Ed – General Education

🎯 Knowing these terms will help you advocate, collaborate, and communicate clearly from day one! Oh, there are plenty more!! But that is a start 😀

📚 SLPs New to Schools? Here’s What to Know About Texas Public School Schedules & Services! 🎤✨

Transitioning into the school setting as an SLP in Texas? 🏫 Here’s a quick breakdown of how things look a little different from clinics or hospitals or home health👇

🕒 Schedules Are Structured Around the School Day
You’ll typically work during school hours (7:30 AM–3:30 PM, 8:00 AM-4:00PM, etc) with caseload-driven therapy slots based on student availability. Therapy is often provided in pull-out or push-in models, depending on IEP goals and student needs. Pro-tip! You typically can NOT pull kids from instructional time or PE/health fitness! In my current district, we pull from Art and Music.

📅 School Calendars Matter
Unlike year-round clinical work, you’ll follow the district calendar—with breaks, holidays, and summer off (unless you’re extended school year/ESY eligible). But remember—some prep time may still be required!

📑 IEPs Over Treatment Plans
No insurance billing here! Services are driven by IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). You’ll be part of the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee that sets goals, minutes, and placement decisions.

👥 You’re on a Team
You’ll collaborate closely with teachers, parents, diagnosticians, and other specialists. It’s all about supporting students in accessing their education. Lots of group therapy which makes it fun and NEVER boring!

🧠 Caseloads Can Be Big
Texas schools may have higher caseloads (40–70+ students), with varying service models. Organization is your best friend!

💡 Pro Tip: Flexibility, communication, and documentation are KEY to thriving in the school setting!

✨ New to school-based SLP life in Texas? Drop your questions below or DM for support! 👇

I have interviewed countless amazing SLPs and SLPAs who are interested in transitioning settings to or from public schools. One thing that has been consistent: lacking experience in public school IEP documentation is often daunting. I can for sure relate- I can also say it is not something you should be afraid of! Here is a break down of a very important term:

🎯 What is a PLAAFP?

PLAAFP = Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance.

As an SLP, this section of the IEP is your voice — it tells the team where the student is right now and how their communication affects learning. 🧠🗣️

🔍 Your PLAAFP input should include:
✅ Strengths
✅ Needs
✅ Data (formal + informal)
✅ Impact on academic and social success
✅ Functional communication in context

🛑 Avoid vague terms like “has trouble with language.”
✅ Instead, write: “Answers literal wh- questions with 60% accuracy in structured tasks.”

📌 Why it matters: A strong PLAAFP is the foundation for writing measurable goals and providing appropriate services.

Email me [email protected]. We have a limited openings, so don’t wait!

It was amazing to reconnect with Dr. Ermgodts, a former supervisor who had such a positive impact on me. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to your class. Also- I have a newfound respect for all clinical educators and professors! Whew! 😅 😀