1) What is speech-language therapy? Speech-language therapy provides instructional, individualized support in the areas of communication, including language development, articulation skills, social skills, hearing impairments, voice disorders, and fluency. Speech-language therapy also addresses oral-motor development and feeding skills.

2) What should I do if one of my students is showing difficulties in any of the areas listed above? Each school has its own specific protocol for identifying students who may need additional educational support. This protocol includes procedures for documenting observations, speaking directly with the child's family about these concerns, as well as guiding the family through an evaluation and referral process, if warranted. If you are unsure about your school's procedures, check in with your supervisor and open up a dialogue.

3) What should I do if I am unsure if a child needs additional support? While some speech-language difficulties can be quite apparent, others can be more subtle and not fully understood until a complete assessment is conducted. It is always better to voice your concerns and follow your instincts as an educator. Often, a child's teacher can play a pivotal role in identifying developmental concerns. This vigilance and early detection leads to brighter future outcomes in academic and social success.

4) How can I learn about supporting speech-language development and communicative success in my classroom?

• Consider setting up a staff workshop for you and your colleagues. Workshop topics include developmental milestones, social skills, literacy development, and more.
• Go to Breanne's Resources page for links to more information 
• Contact Breanne directly to learn more about her SLP services and how she might be a resource for your school community