Staff

  • Jamie DesJarlaisSpeech Language Pathologist
  • Stephanie KyleSpeech Language Pathologist
  • Stacey MarcouxSpeech Language Pathologist
  • Anna-Maria WilgoshSpeech Language Pathologist

Introduction

Speech-language pathologists support students with speech, language, and communication challenges, promoting inclusive learning environments, academic success, and social-emotional well-being. With expertise in oral and written language development, Speech-language pathologists complement other educational professionals by helping students succeed academically and socially, both in and out of the classroom.

What is Speech-Language Pathology?

Speech-language pathology services support academic success, as well as the social and emotional well-being of students. In schools, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) can assist students with:

  • Speaking (speech sounds, language expression, voice, fluency, resonance, communication, vocabulary development)
  • Listening (language understanding, vocabulary development, following directions, processing)
  • Augmentative-alternative communication (AAC)
  • Literacy Skills (phonological and phonemic awareness, comprehension, written expression, background knowledge)
  • Social Skills (play, friendships, turn-taking, social communication)

What does a Speech-Language Pathologist do in the school setting?

  • Prevention: Our interventions can prevent literacy and secondary behaviour problems.
  • Collaboration: We contribute to educational goal setting, planning and curriculum accessibility. We work closely with other Clinicians, Learning Support Teachers, Classroom Teachers, and Educational Assistants to support programming.
  • Modelling: We participate in team teaching and model intervention activities to caregivers and other educators.
  • Adaptations: We recommend task adaptations such as graphic organizers or ways to access tasks using technology or hands-on activities (i.e. communication iPad) that help students participate in their classrooms.
  • Screening & Assessment: Group-administered or one-one-one screenings and assessments guide our interventions and inform school decisions about programming.
  • Identification: We identify speech, language, and communication challenges that directly impact student success.
  • Intervention: Our evidence-informed interventions include individual treatment (e.g. speech sounds), small and large group instruction, as well as consulting with other educators.

Information adapted from https://www.sac-oac.ca/ Role of SLPs in Schools.

How do you access Speech-Language support?

If you think your child would benefit from SLP support, contact your school’s Learning Support Teacher, or your child’s classroom teacher!