Overview

Anne Arundel County Public Schools, through the Special Education Department's Special Services office, provide speech-language services to all eligible students. These services are provided by certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who have the expertise to work with students having a wide range of disabilities and diverse educational needs.

Speech-Language Pathologists are professionally trained to screen, assess, identify and provide therapy for students with articulation, fluency, voice and language needs. Within the educational environment, Speech-Language Pathologists assist students with communication needs in order to support learning. A comprehensive assessment and thorough evaluation provide information for appropriate decision-making in eligibility, implementation and dismissal decisions. Speech-Language Pathologists develop and implement plans consistent with current research and practice.

Speech-Language Pathologists utilize a variety of service delivery models depending on the unique needs of the student. Students can be seen outside of the classroom (pull-out), inside of the classroom (push-in) or both. Services can be direct or indirect or a combination of the two. Consultation and collaboration with all stakeholders is vital to ensure meaningful curricula access and generalization of communication skills. The Speech-Language Pathologist plays an important role on the educational team in order to facilitate academic success for all students.

Students, who are eligible, may receive Speech-Language services as either a special education or as a related service. Services are determined to be related services when they are required to assist a student in receiving benefit from his/her special education services.

Referrals

Birth to 3: Referrals for children Birth-3 years of age should be directed to the Infants and Toddlers Program 410-424-3260.

Children Ages 3-5: Referrals for preschool children 3-5 years of age should be made to Child Find 410-424-3280.

School Age Students K-12: All referrals for school aged students K-12 should be made to their home school.

Students attending Private/Religious Schools: All referrals for students attending Private/Religious Schools in K-12 should be made to Tara Taylor at 410-424-3287.

Resources

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Maryland Speech-Language Hearing Association (MSHA)