Speech Language Pathology
ESU 13 employs Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and communication assistants. Being "certified" means holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the field of Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Those who have achieved the CCC have met rigorous academic and professional standards, obtained a Master's degree in speech-language pathology, passed a national certification exam, and complete at least 30 hours of professional development every 3 years. They have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high quality educational services and are licensed by the State of Nebraska.
Roles and Responsibilities
(As delineated in the ASHA Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology and federal regulations)
- Services Provided — SLPs work with students exhibiting the full range of communication disorders, including those involving language, articulation (speech sound disorders), fluency, voice/resonance, and swallowing.
- Working Across Age Levels — SLPs provide appropriate speech-language services for infants, Pre-K, elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools.
- Ensuring Educational Relevance —SLPs address personal, social/emotional, academic, and vocational needs that have an impact on attainment of educational goals.
- Assessment — SLPs conduct assessments in collaboration with other school professionals that help to identify students with communication disorders as well as to inform instruction and intervention, consistent with Evidence-Based Practice.
- Intervention — SLPs provide intervention that is appropriate to the age and learning needs of each individual student and is selected through an evidence-based decision-making process. Service delivery models are diverse in the school setting. Services for infants and toddlers focus on collaboration with families and care providers.
- Compliance – SLPs are responsible for meeting federal and state mandates as well as local policies in performance of their duties. Activities may include Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, Medicaid billing, report writing, and treatment planning.