The Opportunity
The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will provide comprehensive speech and language services to students with communication disorders in a school setting. The SLP will work collaboratively with teachers, special education staff, parents, and other professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. The SLP will also contribute to Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and ensure that speech and language goals are effectively integrated into the educational environment. The Speech Language Pathologist at KIPP Columbus provides crucial support and services to students with disabilities. The primary focus areas of the SLP are to assess and identify KIPPsters eligible for special education services, assist school teams with their MTSS/RtI process, and work in collaboration with other service providers and student services team members to ensure a high quality continuum of services is available to all KIPPsters.
The Speech Language Pathologist will be licensed by the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce with a minimum of 1 year experience as a school-based SLP.
A summary of responsibilities include, but not limited to:
Conduct comprehensive speech and language evaluations for students referred for speech therapy, utilizing standardized tests, informal assessments, and observations.
Evaluate and diagnose communication disorders related to articulation, language, fluency, voice, social communication, and swallowing.
Review medical, educational, and social history to develop appropriate assessment plans.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on assessment results and student needs.
Provide direct therapy services to students individually or in small groups to address specific speech and language goals.
Implement a variety of therapeutic techniques to address communication disorders, including articulation therapy, language interventions, fluency enhancement, and social communication strategies.
Collaborate with the IEP team to develop measurable, individualized speech and language goals for students based on evaluation results and educational needs.
Monitor student progress towards IEP goals, and adjust therapy techniques as needed to ensure continued improvement.
Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to discussions regarding student progress, evaluation data, and any necessary modifications to therapy services.
Work closely with classroom teachers, special education staff, and other professionals to integrate speech and language goals into classroom activities and routines.
Provide consultation to teachers and staff on strategies to support students with speech and language needs in the classroom.
Conduct in-service training for school staff regarding speech and language development and how to best support students with communication disorders.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of therapy sessions, including progress notes, session plans, and IEP updates.
Ensure compliance with school, district, and state requirements for documenting speech-language services.
Prepare periodic reports on student progress and provide feedback to parents, teachers, and administrators.
Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers regarding their child’s speech and language progress and any strategies for home support.
Provide families with resources and information about speech-language development, communication disorders, and available support services.
Foster positive relationships with parents to ensure consistent support across school and home environments.
Stay current with best practices, research, and advancements in the field of speech-language pathology.
Participate in professional development activities, conferences, and continuing education opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
Collaborate with other SLPs and professionals to share resources and strategies for serving students with speech and language needs.