Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a critical role in helping children develop essential communication skills. Whether working in preschools, daycares, or early intervention settings, pediatric SLPs evaluate and treat children with speech, language, and feeding disorders. For those considering a career in pediatric speech therapy, here is a glimpse into the daily life of a speech-language pathologist, covering both evaluations and treatment sessions.
Starting the Day: Preparation and Planning
A typical day for a pediatric SLP begins with preparation. Before seeing clients, it is vital to review the day’s schedule, prepare materials for therapy sessions, and gather assessment tools if evaluations are scheduled. Speech therapists working in early intervention must also review Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) to ensure therapy sessions align with assigned goals and developmental milestones.
Planning sessions is crucial to ensure therapy remains goal-oriented. This may involve printing out articulation word lists, setting up communication boards, or arranging an obstacle course to target motor and language skills. Pediatric speech therapists ensure that each session is engaging and tailored to the child’s needs to maximize progress.
Evaluations: Assessing Communication Needs
Evaluations are a fundamental part of a pediatric speech-language pathologist’s job. Whether diagnosing a speech disorder in a preschooler or assessing language delays in a toddler, evaluations require careful observation, standardized testing, and clinical judgment.
Pediatric Speech and Language Evaluations
Evaluations often involve play-based assessments to gauge speech, language, and social communication skills, depending on the child’s age. As children grow, evaluations become more structured. An evaluation session may include:
- Observing spontaneous speech during play
- Conducting standardized tests such as the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation (GFTA-3) for speech sound disorders, the Preschool Language Scale-5 (PLS-5) for language delays, or the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-5) for language comprehension and expression.
- Assessing pragmatic (social) language skills through structured activities
- Conducting caregiver interviews with parents, daycare providers, or teachers to understand concerns and gather a complete picture of the child’s communication abilities
- Evaluating the child’s voice, audition, and feeding skills to ensure a comprehensive assessment
Following the assessment, the speech-language pathologist interprets results, determines if therapy is necessary, and develops a customized treatment plan. If an initial treatment session follows, informal language and communication assessments ensure therapy activities align with the child’s most current needs.
Treatment Sessions: Addressing Communication Challenges
Treatment sessions are the heart of pediatric speech therapy. Whether working with a toddler learning to communicate or a preschool-aged child improving articulation, therapy sessions are personalized to meet individual speech and language goals.
Pediatric Speech Therapy Techniques
Therapy often incorporates play-based activities, structured interventions, and evidence-based techniques, such as:
- Articulation Therapy: Using minimal pairs and drill-based exercises to correct speech sound errors.
- Example: Creating an obstacle course where each station involves minimal pair practice with movement (e.g., “key” vs. “tea” for fronting errors, “sip” vs. “ship” for stopping errors). Children engage in active learning while refining their speech sounds.
- Language Therapy: Engaging in interactive book reading, sentence-building exercises, and vocabulary expansion activities.
- Example: Asking the child to point to specific objects in a picture book or retell a short story using targeted vocabulary.
- Fluency Therapy: Implementing strategies such as easy onset and pacing boards for children who stutter.
- Example: Encouraging slow initiation of vocal fold vibration with vowel-initial words to reduce tension and promote fluent speech.
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Intervention: Teaching children to use speech-generating devices or picture communication systems.
- Example: Encouraging a child to request snacks using an AAC device, reinforcing functional communication in natural settings.
Speech-language pathologists working in early intervention or pediatric therapy centers may see children in one-on-one sessions or small groups, ensuring each child’s communication needs are met effectively.
Paperwork and Documentation: The Behind-the-Scenes Work
A significant part of a pediatric speech-language pathologist’s day involves documentation. Accurate and thorough progress notes, evaluation reports, and treatment plans are crucial for tracking progress and ensuring compliance with early intervention and school-based therapy guidelines.
- Session Notes: Written contemporaneously after each session to document the child’s progress and caregiver communication.
- Progress Reports: Submitted quarterly for preschool and school-aged children or every 6 to 12 months for early intervention clients. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of the child’s development and therapy outcomes.
- Caregiver Communication: Regular updates to parents and teachers help reinforce speech therapy strategies outside of sessions, improving carryover and overall progress.
Collaboration with Other Professionals
Speech-language pathologists rarely work alone. Collaboration is essential in pediatric therapy to provide holistic support for children.
- Interdisciplinary Teamwork: SLPs work alongside occupational therapists, physical therapists, applied behavior analysts (ABA), and special education teachers to ensure well-rounded care.
- School and Daycare Collaboration: Working with educators to implement speech and language strategies in the classroom setting.
- Caregiver Involvement: Educating parents and caregivers on home-based strategies to enhance their child’s speech and language development.
Wrapping Up the Day: Reflection and Preparation for Tomorrow
At the end of the day, pediatric speech-language pathologists review progress notes, prepare materials for upcoming sessions, and reflect on successes and challenges. Many professionals dedicate time to continuing education by reading new research, attending webinars, or consulting with colleagues on complex cases.
Why Choose a Career in Pediatric Speech Therapy?
Working as a pediatric speech-language pathologist is rewarding, dynamic, and impactful. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to help children build essential communication skills. Whether guiding a toddler toward their first words or helping a preschooler refine their speech clarity, SLPs play a vital role in fostering language development and self-expression.
For SLPs and clinical fellows looking for pediatric speech therapy jobs in early intervention, private practice, or school-based settings, now is the time to explore opportunities. If you’re passionate about helping children with speech delays, language disorders, or early intervention speech therapy, consider joining a team dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives!
