Speech & Language Department

~Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing.

If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life. ~

-Brian Tracy

Email your child's Speech Therapist
School	Therapist
Brooke Elementary	Michelle Mullholland
Evans Elementary	To be determined
Limerick Elementary	Lellus Blazic or Tracy Peppiatt
Oaks Elementary	Kate Cabrera
Royersford Elementary	Tracy Peppiatt
Spring City Elementary	Kate Cabrera
Upper Providence Elementary	Gina Lasky
5-6 Grade Center	Jen Smith
7th Grade Center	Joan Staples
8th Grade Center	Joan Staples
9th Grade Center	Barb Paige
Senior High School	Barb Paige
WCTS	Barb Paige

How is it determined if a child needs help in speech and language?

1. Either a parent or a teacher may request that a child be screened for speech.

A screening is a tool used to help determine whether a student might benefit from a full speech and/or language evaluation. If indicated, a more in-depth assessment of language abilities may be completed to identify specific strengths and needs in speech/language and whether or not deficits are present which may affect a student’s academic performance.

2. If it is determined that a child displays a difficulty then a Child Study meeting is scheduled.

3. The Child Study team then meets to determine a plan of action. This may include monitoring within the classroom, strategies for at home, or a request for an evaluation.

*A Speech and Language Impairment means “impairments of language, voice, fluency, or articulation that are not due to sensory impairment or developmental delay, but which are present to such a degree that academic achievement is affected and the condition is significantly disabling to the affected person. Determination of speech and language impairment shall include the report of a speech clinician specifying the nature and degree of such an impairment.”

The Child Study team may include some or all of the following members:
*Principal	*Speech Therapist
*Guidance counselor	*Reading Specialist
*School Psychologist	*Classroom Teacher
*Special Education Teacher	*Parent's

What does a speech therapist do?

A speech therapist may work with an individual on a multitude of problem areas.

These problem areas may include:

Articulation

Auditory Skills

Fluency

Language

Voice

~The limits of my language mean the limits of my world. ~

- Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889- 1951)

***Please note***

With the new special education laws, a Speech and Language disorder is only recognized in the school if it impacts the child’s ability to access their education. If a child has a mild articulation delay but it doesn’t impact their ability to read, spell or interact with peers socially, then they will not be eligible for services. A Speech or Language impairment means a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.