Public schools or private therapy? What are my options?
If you are concerned about your child’s development, whether in speech or occupational therapy areas, it is important to know your options. Parents are typically the best informants as to their child’s development, and if you have concerns, we recommend addressing these concerns sooner rather than later. There are many avenues to choose from, including private and public options. Public schools assess and provide therapies for children ages 3-18 under federal law (Individuals with Disabilities Act-IDEA). This mandates that if your child qualifies, they are eligible to receive speech and/or occupational therapies (among other services) through the public school system at no additional cost to the family.
Under the IDEA, families can have their child evaluated for speech, language, occupational and physical therapy concerns upon request. After being evaluated, the school will create an IEP for your child if they qualify for services. An IEP is an annual individualized education plan that outlines the frequency and type of therapy your child will attend. Sometimes this translates into weekly one on one sessions with the school speech-language pathologist (SLP), sometimes it is group sessions with other children at the school, and sometimes the SLP monitors the child in the classroom monthly, etc. However, every school district has specific criteria that are unique to them, and not all children diagnosed with delays or disorders will qualify through the public school system. It is worth noting that the IDEA states that schools must provide services only IF the child’s diagnosis negatively impacts academic performance and is based on severity. Often, children who do well in school or have mild to moderate deficits do not qualify under this model. In these cases, private therapy may be the best option. If working with the schools we advise you to please be aware of how often your child will receive therapy, what type of therapist will be working with your child, and if therapy is individual or in a group setting. All these options are beneficial if they are suited specifically to your child’s needs. However, if you are not content with your child’s IEP we encourage families to seek private therapy as well. Ideally, if your child qualifies for school services, adding private therapy is most beneficial. Many private therapists and practices accept insurance to help with cost as well.
Remember that you are the best advocate for your child, and your child is lucky to have you!😊
