Good speaking, listening, and thinking skills are critical to a child's academic success. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP's) are the professionals in the schools who provide services that identify, treat, and rehabilitate communication disorders.
Communication disorders include:
- Articulation (speech sound production- how sounds are made)
- Language (receptive language/auditory comprehension, which measures the ability to understand language, and expressive communication, which measures the ability to communicate with others)
- Fluency (the rhythm of speech- e.g., hesitations or stuttering can affect fluency)
- Voice (the use of the vocal folds and breathing to produce sound)
- Hearing Impairments
Students are identified for service by a Speech-Language Pathologist and team of professionals through the referral and evaluation process. SLP's collaborate with teachers and families, and consult with school personnel in order to support student communication skills in the classroom.
Services by Speech Language Pathologists are also available for students, birth until three years of age, through Minnesota's Help Me Grow Program. If you have more questions about your infant or toddler, please contact Help Me Grow at www.helpmegrowmn.org or you can also call 1-866-693-4769 to refer a child. You can also visit the MAWSECO website at www.mawseco.k12.mn.us or call 320-543-4607.
