Speech In Alberta

Speech Language Therapy works a little differently in Alberta than it does in the US. We do not have an SLP at every school. Actually schools are very lucky if they have their own SLP- that's just not how funding works here. In Northern Alberta, were lucky if an SLP lives in the town/area!

In Alberta, most speech services to provided to public schools are provided through the Provincial Government- Alberta Health Services-the provincial Health Region. This service is provided at no direct cost to the school. But the schools only get the service that the health region can provide. There are a lot of schools and a huge caseload so they don't usually get a lot of direct one on one therapy, more universal strategies. 

The First Nation Schools receive funding through the Federal government to hire their own private services. The First Nation Schools don't receive services through the provincial government. They contract services from private SLP's and services like mine, Creating Communicators. 

I provide speech language and occupational services. I go into schools screen, assess and then provide program implementation. I also provide one on one therapy, as well as group and classroom activities. I work with staff to educate and train how they can provide a language rich environment in their classroom.  I have 3 SLP's, and 2 OT's and I am in the process of hiring another SLP-A.


I really love my job and it is so fulfilling! I love working with kids- they are so fun and entertaining. I love it when I can make a difference and increase their language skills, and hopefully confidence.  I also have a problem with resources- I have too much stuff. I have games, and tons of speech stuff in my house. I need a personal organizer or I may be on an upcoming episode of Hoarders! 

I love spreading the "Speech Word!"

Giveaway Saturday!!!

I love using nursery rhymes for speech and language therapy! You can use them to target so many goals:  prepositions, rhyming, phonemic awareness, pronouns and other grammar goals. I have colorful pictures, printing practice and coloring sheets for younger children!

I am holding a giveaway on my Teachers Notebook Shop. 
Check it out, follow my shop and my blog and enter to win my package
 that is valued at $7.00. It is a great resource for teachers,
 early childhood workers and SLP's!

Here is just a taste of what is inside my Nursery Rhyme package!

 If you have any questions, contact me!
 I would love to hear from you!

Teachers Notebook

Creating Communicators sale!!

 

Missed my Teacherspayteachers sale? 

I am having another sale on TeacherNotebook!

Please, don't forget to follow my shop and check out all of my products!

Here is an example of one my products that targets following directions using concepts.

What do I do about Speech and Language over the summer?

I know we are waiting for the end of the school year, but.... Over the summer your child may not be receiving services, especially if services are directed through the school. I have made a calendar of activities that are good from preschoolers up to grade 3. If your child is older, just up the anti! Make the questions a little more difficult and expect a little more from them! Happy Summer!

http://www.creatingcommunicators.net/#!free-resources/c1atx

Happy Saturday- Freebie weekend!

If you are anything like me, you love a sale! Or better yet something free! You can get it here for free! All I ask is that you check out my blog: and my store on teacherspayteachers or my website! www.creatingcommunicators.net Thanks Have a great weekend!

Here is an item I normally sell on teacherspayteachers and teachersnotebook.

Problems with speech therapy?

I have noticed that many parents are apprehensive about consenting for speech and language services. It makes me wonder why?

I like the glasses analogy. If your child needed some extra "support" with their vision, you would get them glasses. Most wouldn't even question it. And if your child was in class their teacher would not reprimand them for not being able to see things, nor would you. You wouldn't think less of them. You would just think they need support with their sight. That is how I see speech and language therapy.

 Some kids need a little extra boost with pronouncing some sounds or learning some grammar rules, or understanding how to follow directions. No biggie! If your school sends home consent to have your child screened or they have been seen by an SLP and require treatment go ahead and sign it. That is their job to support kids to reach their potential academically and socially!

I have heard parents say "I don't want them to be pulled out of class" or "it will make them feel different."

Here are my comments to that

1) if they are having difficulty with language they need more one on one support to be more successful in the class. Classroom assumes children have all the skills necessary that are appropriate for their age/grade level. This is not always the case- each child has goals specifically for them, working on what they need the most help with.

2) kids, especially younger kids, love to get pulled out of class because it makes them feel special. They love to get some one on one attention and to play a game, who wouldn't love that. There have been a few, very few maybe 4 in my 11 year history doing speech, that don't want to come. For those kids let them try a group setting' or do therapy in their class. There is always a way around it, that works for everyone.

You love your child, you want the best for them.

So.....

Why not!?