May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!

GCPS is proud to have approximately 366 Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) and 16 Speech and Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPAs) who serve students across all clusters from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12. These professionals provide essential services for students with Speech Language disorders, including Articulation, Language, Voice, and Fluency.

Additionally, the district’s SLPs extend their expertise to students with multiple exceptionalities, such as Autism, Mild and Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, Other Health Impaired Disabilities, and Hearing Impairments.

SLPs have a significant impact on the lives of students and the broader community. Approximately 40 million Americans have communication disorders, and SLPs play a crucial role in addressing these issues. In educational settings, 56% of SLPs work directly with students, achieving success rates of 70-90% for children's speech sound disorders with proper therapy.

While SLPs are dedicated to serving students in our schools, their passion also leads them to various career paths, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Most Speech and Language Pathologists hold the Clinical Competency Certification (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), and those working in school settings must have a minimum of a master’s degree.

 

General Communication Tips:

Here are some tips and recommendations to help families support their child’s speech and language development from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

• Talk about what you’re doing, what your child is doing, and what your child sees. Use longer sentences as your child grows older.
• Communicate with your child in the languages that you are most comfortable using.
• Use a lot of different words with your child. Don’t worry about using big words. Children enjoy learning new and unusual words.
• Listen and respond to your child.
• Help your child listen. Give directions for your child to follow.
• Have your child’s hearing tested if you find yourself repeating a lot or using a loud voice.
• Tell stories to your child and make it a habit. Read to your child as much as you can.
• Ask questions and talk about what happened in the story. Read to your child in the languages they are learning.
• Don’t interrupt your child to correct their speech sounds. It’s okay if your child makes some mistakes with sounds. Say the sounds correctly when you talk.
• Ask questions that need more than a yes or no answer. Encourage your child to ask you questions.
• Set limits for screen time. Use that time for talking, reading, and playing together.
• Don’t wait to get help if you’re concerned. You know your child best. Getting help early can stop later problems with behavior, learning, reading, and social relationships.

GCPS SLPs collaborate closely with families and school personnel to ensure students develop the communication skills necessary to access the curriculum in their educational environment.

If you have any questions about your child's speech and language development, please contact GCPS’ Special Education and Psychological Services department for information about the services we offer in the school setting.