What do I do if I am concerned about my child’s communication skills?
To learn more about speech and language services and programs, contact the TCDSB Speech and Language Department at (416) 222‐8282 ext. 2261.
Parents who are concerned about their child’s speech and language development can also speak to the classroom teacher or principal.
Students with special needs and those who are experiencing difficulties in school are supported by a multidisciplinary team. Referrals for speech and language services may be initiated by the principal after the student has been discussed with the school speech‐language pathologist at a multidisciplinary meeting or case conference.
Speech and Language Department Toronto Catholic District School Board
80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6E8
www.tcdsb.org
Phone: 416‐222‐8282 ext. 2261
March 2013
THE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATING FOR LEARNING
TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES 2012 - 2013
Wards 1. Peter Jakovcic 416-512-3401 2. Ann Andrachuk, Chair 416-512-3402 3. Sal Piccininni, Vice-Chair 416-512-3403 4. Patrizia Bottoni 416-512-3404 5. Maria Rizzo 416-512-3405 6. Frank D’Amico 416-512-3406 7. John Del Grande 416-512-3407 8. Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 9. Jo-Ann Davis 416-512-3409 10. Barbara Poplawski 416-512-3410 11. Angela Kennedy 416-512-3411 12. Nancy Crawford 416-512-3412 Andrew Walker, Student Trustee 416-512-3413
Bruce Rodrigues, Director of Education Ann Andrachuk, Chair of the Board
Who are Speech‐Language Pathologists?
Speech‐Language Pathologists (SLPs) are professionals with specialized knowledge, skills, and clinical training in the prevention, identification, assessment, treatment, and management of communication and swallowing disorders in both children and adults. SLPs provide education, consultation and support services to those experiencing communication difficulties and their families and/or caregivers. They work closely with other professionals (e.g. educational, medical), sometimes as part of a multidisciplinary team.
SLPs hold a Masters or Doctorate Degree in speech‐language pathology. They are regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech‐Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and adhere to federal and provincial legislation.
The TCDSB Speech and Language Department is comprised of SLPs and teachers who provide services to students with oral communication needs that directly impact academic and social‐emotional development.
What do SLPs do at TCDSB?
The goal of the Speech and Language Department is to provide supports that enable students to reach their full academic, social‐emotional and spiritual potential. SLPs assist students who have difficulties with oral language and literacy skills. They provide services to at‐risk and identified students in regular and special education programs. They work with students, their parents and teachers, support personnel, and special services staff to enhance success in school.
A range of services and programs are provided to students with oral communication needs, including:
Assessment of oral communication skills (i.e., vocabulary, grammar, story telling, social use of language) which may impact on written language development (i.e., reading and writing)
Assessment of speech difficulties such as articulation (i.e., pronunciation), voice (e.g., nasality, hoarseness), and fluency (i.e., stuttering)
Consultation and in‐class programming with school staff
Short term intervention for students not receiving other services
Specialized programs where needed, such as the Kindergarten Language Program and Language Impaired Intensive Support Program
Participation in multidisciplinary school team meetings
Referral to and liaison with community agencies
Provision of workshops for staff and parents regarding communication development and disorders
Development and demonstration of classroom resources related to oral language and literacy
Consultation with parents and other professionals (e.g., audiologists, psychologists, social workers and teachers) to provide comprehensive programs of care