What do I do if I suspect my child has a speech or language problem?   Talk with your child’s teacher or the school’s Speech Pathologist about your concerns for speech and language.  If warranted, the teacher, parent, or SLP can refer the student to the school’s General Education Intervention Team (GEIT).  Parents are a vital member of this team. The team can discuss interventions that can take place in the classroom and at home to help strengthen these skills. The team may decide that an evaluation is necessary for Speech and Language.                 

How do I know if my child’s speech is developing normally? There is normative data available on acquisition of speech sounds.  If you would like to receive a copy of the norms, contact your school’s SLP who will have these available for you.       

If my child is eligible for services will services be provided during the school day? Yes, all services for Speech and Language are provided during the school day.  The SLP collaborates with the classroom teacher to schedule services at times that are convenient for the student.       

Are services available for preschoolers in Williamson County? Yes, preschoolers can receive speech and language therapy, if eligible, beginning at age 3.  Services are provided either through our Preschool Walk-In Centers at several locations across the county or through Pre-K, Headstart, and/or through Preschool Early Childhood classes.         

Explain what would constitute an “adverse affect on educational performance” for a student with a speech or articulation problem. The presence of a communication disorder does not automatically mean that your child will need services.  The communication delay must be shown to interfere with your child’s ability to perform in the educational setting. Of key importance is the impact the speech delay has on academic areas such as reading, spelling, or writing. Also important is the impact on social, vocational, and emotional areas in the educational environment.

Speech Services

Special Education Services

Student Support Services