Who are Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) and How can they Help my Child?

Does your child work with a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)? Who are SLPAs and what do they do? How are they qualified to help your child with their communication goals? Read our blog post below for more information!

What is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)?

A Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) provides speech and language therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). SLPAs may work in a variety of settings including schools, private clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and in-home.

How is a SLPA certified to help my child with their speech and language goals?

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants must be licensed by the state of California. In order to be licensed, they must complete one of the following: a 2-year SLPA program degree from an accredited institution, receive a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution, or receive a college degree (associate's or bachelor's) from an accredited institution and completion of a SLPA certificate program.

Once completing their program, a SLPA must complete a minimum of 100 fieldwork experience hours, then they can apply for their license. It is required that SLPAs must complete continuing education requirements biennially and work under the supervision of an SLP.

Treatment Experts

Overall, SLPAs are speech and language therapy experts! They have knowledge of child development by understanding expected developmental milestones and childhood disorders that can impact speech and language development. They are versed in using specialized speech and language therapy techniques that include specific interventions, behavior management, and working with diverse populations of children. Lastly, they are great at collaborating and work effectively with SLPs, teachers, and families.

Our King Speech Therapy Team

Here at King Speech Therapy Services, our team includes two wonderful and knowledgeable SLPAs that are known to establish a strong rapport with their clients and their families, provide the best plan of treatment, and collaborate well with other members of our team. If you decide to move forward with our services, you may be lucky enough to work with one of our amazing SLPAs!

Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about our services.

References:

Apply for SLP assistants certification. (n.d.).

https://www.asha.org/certification/apply-for-slp-assistants-certification/

Department of Consumer Affairs, S. of C. (2012, May 2). Continuing education requirements - speech-language pathology and audiology and hearing aid Dispensers Board. Speech. https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/licensees/ce_req.shtml

Department of Consumer Affairs, S. of C. (2012b, May 2). Language pathology assistant - speech-language pathology and audiology and hearing aid Dispensers Board. Speech. https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/applicants/app_pack_slp_assist.shtml