Speech Language Services
Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide therapy to students from kindergarten to age 21 who are identified as having speech and language needs. SLPs may have up to three professional licenses or certifications, including an Oregon teaching license (TSPC), Oregon Board of Examiners in Speech Language Pathology & Audiology, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC). The 14 district SLPs provide services to all elementary, middle and high schools as well as alternative education sites.
What is an SLP?
An SLP (speech-language pathologist) evaluates, diagnoses and provides therapy to students with speech and language impairment. An SLP also works with teachers to facilitate student success in the classroom.
What do SLPs work on?
SLPs conduct evaluations and provide therapy in articulation, language, voice, social communication, augmentative communication and fluency. Once your child is found eligible for services, therapy will be designed to address the student's strengths and weaknesses in the area of speech and language with input from the therapist, teacher, and parents.
- Articulation Therapy: For students with difficulty producing age-appropriate speech sounds.
- Language Therapy: For students who have difficulty with language development in the areas of vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and/or verbal expression.
- Voice Therapy: For students who have been evaluated by a physician and exhibit prolonged vocal hoarseness or poor vocal quality.
- Fluency/Stuttering Therapy: For students who use repetition or prolongation of sounds, words, or phrases.
- Social Communication Therapy: For students whose communication difficulties impact their ability to socially interact with others, social communication therapy may be appropriate.
- Augmentative Communication Support: For students with severe communication disabilities.
What should I do if I have a concern?
Parents are encouraged to talk to their child’s classroom teacher and/or the school SLP if they have concerns.