Can My Child Receive Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy at School?

Are you interested in your child starting therapy in school but are unfamiliar with the process or not quite sure where to start? Here are a few tips and information about the process to help get started:

The type of services your child can receive in school if eligible depends on many factors. Some of these include your child’s age, any medical diagnosis they may have, the structure of your child’s school, their academic performance, their ability to access their learning environment, and state/county rules and regulations.

The first step in receiving school-based services is assessment. School-based assessment procedures differ from state to state and for different counties. Please reach out to your county for specific evaluation procedures and requirements. In Florida a great resource for this is the Florida Department of Education Website.

Preschool age:

Suppose you have a preschool child and would like to have them tested for overall developmental delays, language, speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy; you need to contact your county’s government early intervention program specifically for Preschool Diagnostic Intervention Services. Each county has a different name for this.

Preschool Diagnostic Intervention Services provides screenings and evaluations for preschool children with suspected developmental delays who may be eligible for services in your county. You can set up an assessment for your child by calling their number or reaching out via email.

Once you call, your child will be placed on a waitlist to be tested. Depending on your county, testing can take a few weeks to months to occur. After the evaluation, a full report will be written. Then, a meeting between parents and the evaluator will go over the results and determine if your child is eligible for therapy services at their zoned public preschool and eligibility to attend ESE Prekindergarten classes.

Primary and Secondary Ages:

If your child is kindergarten age or older, the testing process may look slightly different. Each state has unique laws and guidelines for testing and qualifications for services. The first step would be to contact your child’s teacher. Express your concerns and have the teacher start documenting any academic difficulties, behaviors, and interventions at school.

Many schools have intervention plans/processes they follow before testing students. You can contact the staffing specialist at your child’s school to explain these procedures and set up a meeting to begin the intervention process. After your child goes through their school’s intervention process, a meeting will be held where teachers, parents, administration, and specialists such as the school phycologist, speech, and language pathologist, etc. will review your child’s difficulties, grades, and intervention progress to decide on the best plan of action whether that be speech and language testing, a complete psychological evaluation, or further classroom intervention and supports.

What happens after my child is tested?

Once a student has been tested, parents, professionals, and teachers will review the results. Suppose the student qualifies for services based on the county's eligibility requirements. In that case, they will receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP): An IEP is used to place a child in special programs such as exceptional student education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Goals will be included on the IEP, and progress for goals will be reviewed by teachers and parents each year until a reevaluation, dismissal, or amendment occurs based on state laws. If your child does not qualify for services based on testing, your school may suggest additional supports, interventions, and accommodations that may benefit your student.

Do you have more questions about school-based speech therapy services or the assessment process? Contact Wekiva Kids Therapy to set up a consultation with a Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist Today.

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Image-Based On Orange County Public Schools ESE Eligibility Requirements