Meeting the rising demand for school-based speech and behavioral support

Key points:

• Districts must adopt innovative solutions that meet students’ unique needs
• Crafting technology-driven IEPs
• Special education staffing shortages put students’ futures at risk
• For more news on school therapy services, visit eSN’s Innovative Teaching hub

The pandemic’s impact on our children’s development continues to reveal itself in classrooms across America. As districts and schools nationwide struggle to find qualified therapists, particularly speech-language pathologists and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), there’s a growing demand for these specialized professionals. Speech-language pathologist positions are projected to grow by 18 percent from 2023 to 2033, while BCBA jobs will have a 22 percent growth rate over the next decade.

This surge stems partially from COVID-19’s lingering effects. Many children missed crucial language development opportunities during key formative years, as mask-wearing limited their ability to observe mouth movements and naturally acquire speech skills. Simultaneously, we’re identifying more students needing support than ever before. Rising diagnoses of autism, which  currently affects about one in 54 children, have further amplified the need for both speech and behavioral therapy services in educational settings.

Providing flexible support solutions for schools

Districts are seeking flexible and effective solutions to address these growing needs. One approach proving particularly effective is offering a flexible scheduling model with occasional virtual opportunities, with a distinct preference for in-person support whenever possible. Schools are also increasingly implementing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), which extend therapeutic interventions beyond traditional one-on-one sessions.

I’ve found that group therapy and structured peer interactions, led by experienced therapists, help students develop vital social and behavioral skills. This is especially important for adolescents and teenagers entering high school–they may have missed critical social development opportunities during the pandemic and now need additional support to navigate both academic and social challenges.

Another major hurdle for districts is funding these essential services. By leveraging flexible staffing solutions, schools can access high-quality therapists at a lower overall cost. Rather than hiring full-time staff and bearing the financial burden of benefits like retirement and health insurance, schools can engage professionals on an as-needed basis, whether for a few days a week or during specific evaluation periods. This approach ensures that schools provide targeted support without the complexities of full-time employment contracts.

Creative approaches to staffing, compliance, and related therapy services  

This flexible model benefits not only schools but also therapists themselves. Professionals who prefer part-time work in school districts and prefer to work full time can expand their experience in various practice settings such as outpatient facilities and early intervention or specialty centers, creating a full-time job across multiple settings and expanding their knowledge and experience. This approach creates a win-win situation, ensuring consistent and high-quality services for students without the financial strain of full-time staffing for districts.

Additionally, school-related therapy services should always be tailored to the school environment, focused on the child maximizing their access to and participation in their education. When providers have experience in how this model works and appropriately educate all involved in the student’s success, not only does the student progress and have a higher achievement of their goals, the cost of service decreases due to quicker goal attainment and accurate frequency recommendations.  

Beyond staffing, districts also need the technology to help them stay compliant with regulatory requirements. This includes accurately documenting and billing therapy minutes and aligning all services with HIPAA and FERPA regulations.  If the provider of these services understands these regulations and partners with the district for solutions, this will help minimize the administrative burden and risk for school districts.

As the demand for specialized therapy services in schools continues to rise, districts must adopt innovative solutions that meet students’ unique needs. By embracing flexible staffing models, leveraging technology for streamlined service delivery, and tailoring therapy to the educational environment, districts can provide consistent and effective support for all students. These strategies not only address immediate therapy shortages but also ensure students receive the targeted help they need to thrive academically and socially, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.