Speech/Language – Communication services

Speech and Language / Communication Services: Speech and Language Therapy services are provided to address the needs of students with communication impairments that are affecting their access and participation in the educational setting. The interventions work on production of sounds, the understanding and production of language, and/or effective communication with others. Services may be provided in a separate, individual/small group setting, within the general classroom environment, and/or the Shared Services programs.

Licensed therapists help students develop age-appropriate expressive and receptive language skills as the focus of their therapy. This focus may include different aspects of language development and generally changes over time as the student develops and different grade-appropriate skills are needed. For some students, relatively short-term interventions are successful.

When a preschool child is identified with speech and language needs, services are coordinated with the child’s private preschool program as much as possible. Speech and language services are also an integral component of our integrated preschool program.

For students who utilize Augmentative or Assistive Communication Devices, this methodology is embedded into the student’s daily schedule and monitored/adapted by the Speech and Language Therapist. On-going training and consultation are provided by an AAC consultant.

SLP guidelines/entrance/Exit (PDF)

Speech and Language Development
A resource developed to inform parents and early childhood educators regarding developmental guidelines and norms in the area of communication.

Providers:
Community Pre-School and Chilmark: Cathy Stewart cstewart (at)mvyps.org
Edgartown School: Holly Holtz hholtz (at)mvyps.org
Oak Bluffs School: Lee MacLeod lmacleod (at)mvyps.org
Tisbury School: Stacey Voorhis svoorhis (at)mvyps.org
West Tisbury: Hannah Beford hbeford (at)mvyps.org
Grace Proj. Headway:  Stacey Voorhis svoorhis (at)mvyps.org
Edgartown Bridge and MVRHS: Sarah Norton snorton(at)mvyps.org