Service delivery for speech sound disorders in the school setting can be complicated… you’re juggling caseload numbers, students missing classroom time, coordinating group goals, maintaining group attention, and timing between grade levels, etc.

The traditional service delivery model that school-based Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) have grown accustomed to is typically 1 or 2 times per week for 30 minutes in a small group. However, many SLPs have begun to shift from this traditional service delivery model to one in which the sessions are individualized and more frequent, but shorter in duration. This change is getting rave reviews from the SLPs who are implementing it.

These SLPs have shared that not only has their scheduling burden lessened, they are able to target more in an individual setting (1:1 sessions) as opposed to a group. As a result, they’re seeing their students progressing beautifully toward their therapy goals. Of course, we love to hear from fellow SLPs that something is working… but we also all know that our decisions as professionals should be data-driven. So, here’s the best part… these service delivery changes are also backed by research!

The Informed SLP shared a study by Byers et. al. that looked at the differences between a “business as usual” approach and one where students were seen for short, but more frequent individual sessions. They found that for students with mild–moderate speech sound disorders, short but more frequent individual sessions led to similar gains compared with “business as usual” sessions.

This is great news for your mild to moderate caseload! As long as you’re providing high levels of therapeutic support (cues, models, etc) and you’re fitting in a high number of production trials into those sessions, your students can make the same improvements with less time out of the classroom. And you, their SLP, can spend 1:1 time with each student as opposed to always juggling the dynamics of a group.

If you’re intrigued by this shift… you’re in the right place! As a Little Bee Hive member, you’ll have everything you need to implement this model.

You can monitor progress, and screen and assess speech sound disorders with Articulation Test Center Hive. You’ll also have every phoneme target (consonants and vowels) at every level (isolation to conversation) on your iPad with Articulation Station Hive. With both of these comprehensive tools, you can implement this model with absolute ease! No bags of materials, sorting through flashcards or worksheets. No clipboards or even pens needed to track data. It’s all there for you.

How to get started
Here’s how to start shifting your service model for speech sound disorders in the school setting…

1. State your case to your district or site administrator about your plan to make a change. Show them the studies that back up this model, and be clear on how all parties (student, SLP, teachers, etc.) would benefit. Be sure to highlight how with this approach, you are able to maximize time in the general education classroom while also providing quality, individualized and intensive therapy to address each child’s unique needs.

2. Look at your speech schedule to figure out logistically how this would work. Would you move to 10 minute 1:1 sessions, 3 times per week? Or would you move to 5 minute 1:1 sessions 3 or 4 times per week? Look at the needs of your students and what works best. It’s up to you!

3. Look at your caseload and see which students with mild to moderate speech sound disorders would be a good candidate for the shift.

4. Get informed consent from the parents/caregivers of the child and document the change in services through an IEP. Discuss the benefits with the parents and document those benefits in the IEP notes as well. Some SLPs choose to just start this new model as new students are added to the caseload and as annual IEPs come up for current students, versus holding addendum IEPs… whatever works best- you’re the expert.

5. Become a Little Bee Hive Member– you’ll have everything you need for quick assessment and treatment sessions with Articulation Test Center Hive and Articulation Station Hive right at your fingertips. See below for additional information about the Little Bee Hive Membership. It will save you precious time in and out of the therapy room.

As a school-based SLP, you have a lot to juggle. A change in your service delivery model that eases your burden without compromising on therapy is worth considering. Bookmark this page to refer back to and share this with your administration as you get started!

***Disclaimer: Please be sure to review your specific state and district policies regarding the way services are written into IEPs before making any changes.***

Little Bee Hive Membership
The Little Bee Hive (Pro) membership gives you full access to both Articulation Test Center Hive and Articulation Station Hive.

Little Bee Hive Free Trial
You can try Articulation Station Hive and Articulation Test Center Hive FREE for 14 days by downloading them from the Apple App Store on your iPad or iPhone and signing up.

Group Extended Trial
Groups with 5 or more SLPs (e.g., school districts, clinics) qualify for an extended FREE trial. Just fill out this form to get started!