What to Know About School-Based Speech Therapy

What Is School-Based Speech Therapy?

Imagine having a superhero on your child’s school team, helping them find their voice and communicate with confidence. That’s what a school-based speech therapist does! We work on:

• Articulation (how sounds are made).
• Language skills (understanding and expressing ideas).
• Fluency (smooth speech).
• Social communication (interacting with peers).

The best part? It’s all built into their school day—no extra trips for you, yay!

Why You Should Know About This Process

I spent 10 incredible years working in the public school system, helping kiddos just like yours. I’ve seen firsthand how school-based therapy can make a world of difference, especially when parents are part of the team. BUT, there are limitations that parents should be aware of. Not all kids that need support qualify for support. This is because the school system is designed to support kids that are moderately to severely impaired and that have a documented academic impact. In addition, support may be watered down without proper home support, so it is a big deal that you are your child's advocate in making sure they get enough therapy time and that home support & suggestions are offered. When you do, progress can happen fast! 

Signs Your Child Might Benefit

Does your little one:

• Struggle to say certain sounds? (e.g., “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” 🐰)
• Get frustrated when others don’t understand them? Speech difficulty can impact behavior.
• Use fewer words than their peers or have trouble following directions?
• Struggle with letter sounds and reading (possibly impacted by their articulation)?

If so, don’t stress! These are common challenges that speech therapy can address.

How to Access School-Based Speech Therapy

1. Start With a Conversation

The first step is as simple as chatting with your child’s teacher. Say something like:
"I’ve noticed [your child’s name] is having some trouble with [specific concern]. Can we explore how to help?"

Teachers are pros at observing kids and can connect you with the school’s speech therapist. BUT, do not wait for them to refer your child.... get on it asap if you are concerned! Some parents wait for the pediatrician or teacher to notice or address the errors but the "wait and see" is not a good idea. 

2. Request an Evaluation

If the teacher agrees there might be a need, he/she can initiate the evaluation process, but here is my PRO TIP... YOU can make a formal written request to the school to start the process! Simply contact the speech therapist at your local school and tell them you would "LIKE TO REQUEST AN EVALUATION." This initiates a legal process/timeline to get your child screened and/or evaluated. 

3. Review the Results Together

Once the evaluation is complete, you’ll meet with the school team to go over the results. If your child qualifies, they’ll create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan to outline their therapy goals and services. I NEED TO MAKE SOMETHING CLEAR THOUGH... IF YOUR CHILD DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR SCHOOL BASED SERVICES, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY DO NOT NEED IT. What it means is that they are not moderately to severely impacted or do not demonstrate an academic impact. If your child is school age and still has errors, they need support! 

What’s Therapy Like at School?

Think small groups, interactive games, and lots of positive reinforcement. School-based therapy is all about learning through play and practical activities. Try and push for at least two sessions per week of therapy, even if the sessions are only 10-15 mins. That is better than one longer session. Group therapy is super common, so be sure to advocate and chat with the speech therapist to make sure that your child is in the best setting possible. 

Your Role as the Magic Maker

You’re the MVP in this journey! Ask questions, stay curious, and celebrate your child’s progress. Simple things like practicing sounds during storytime or cheering them on when they try a tricky word can make a world of difference. Also, remember that as a parent, you have more influence on your child's school support than you realize. So ask for what you believe your child needs.... The squeaky wheel gets the oil. 

Why My Magic Words Is the Perfect Companion

While school-based therapy is amazing, it’s even more powerful when supported at home. That’s where My Magic Words: Speech Sound Academy comes in! Think of it as your guide to understanding what your child is working on in therapy—and how you can help. It’s a great way to boost your child’s progress and help those speech goals stick even faster.

With tools and tips that fit right into your family’s routine, My Magic Words bridges the gap between school and home, making speech progress a true team effort. 

It is also the perfect path if your child doesn't qualify for school services. Trust me. Oh wait, you don't need to... It is money-back guaranteed. See for yourself how it can work!

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Speech challenges are more common than you think, and there’s a whole team rooting for your child’s success. With a little help and a lot of love, your child’s communication skills can soar.

So, take that first step—talk to your child’s teacher, reach out to the school, and let the magic begin! And when you’re ready to bring that magic home, I’m here for you with My Magic Words. 💖

Let’s help those little voices shine! 🌟

Warmly,
Miss Ashley
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist