Distance learning is not working? Your family is not alone
Parents across the U.S. are stressed right now about pretty much everything right, including how extended school closures will affect their kids’ learning and speech and language development. Are you finding yourself standing over the computer trying to fix your child’s audio on yet another videochat? Bribing your kids to attend virtual learning sessions with their therapists? Worried that they aren’t making the progress they need?
Most Speech Language Pathologists did not receive training on how to conduct meaningful, effective online therapy during their graduate training. The curriculum and tools and they are used to using were not crafted to be online or distance learning experiences. SLPs have had to take curriculum, resources, assessments, and lessons that were designed for an in-person experience (and without any sustained training), turned it into a remote learning experience. They’ve spent weekends and late nights learning new tools and techniques, and everyone doing their best to make this work.
The truth is that speech and language therapy can’t be conducted by photocopies or workbooks. Communication takes a partner. And online speech and language therapy takes training and experience.
As a speech language therapist who was funded by the Department of Education to research and develop best practices around teletherapy, distance learning and child development, I’ve been finding myself giving pep talks to a lot of friends in the past few weeks. The truth is that virtual learning and therapy can be very effective when clinician’s have been provided the right training and tools to do it.
If you are worried that your child is falling behind with their speech and language goals during distance learning, Compass can help. We’ve been delivering high-quality online speech-language therapy and coaching for years, and know how to make the process work for your child.
Compass Speech and College Prep identified the need for remote speech therapy years ago, well before the COVID-19 outbreak. It is because of this that we are ready to deliver online speech therapy today, with a good understanding of the technology and with plenty of available resources such as diagnostic and intervention web-based tools at our fingertips.
Not only does telepractice help to prevent the spread of viruses, our speech-language pathologists offer the highest-quality care from the comfort of your home, and in a way that works best for your family. Therapy programs are high-quality, individualized and tailored to meet the needs of client. By practicing in the home environment and partnering with families, we make sure that the skills learned in our sessions carry over into your child’s daily life. And you’ll always know what we’ve been working on.
Connecting with us is EASY!
All that is needed is a computer or tablet. A completely private and secure video conferencing platform is used and is free and easy to download. No special hardware or software is required. We will see each other on the screen (like Skype or FaceTime). The materials used for speech and language therapy are shared electronically with you right on your computer screen.
Therapy for everyone, everywhere. No matter who you are or where you live, help is always nearby.
Benefits of Telepractice
When telelpractice is delivered with a good understanding of the technology and with plenty of available resources such as diagnostic and intervention web-based tools, it provides a more convenient experience for your child with the same high-quality care. Research has shown it to be as effective and equivalent to in-person treatment, with the added benefit of being very convenient for families.
Evidence-Based Therapy
Every person is different. That’s why your dedicated speech therapist will provide an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs and communication goals. “Liz puts all she can into helping my son and the feedback she gives is great. Her face lights up as much as mine when my son improves and says new words.”