Mastering Back-to-School Scheduling: Top Tips for School-Based SLPs
What a summer! ☀️
While I'm still grasping to hold on to these last few weeks of time with my babies at home, I also know that this is prime time to start mentally (and physically!) preparing to return to school.
One thing about being a school-based SLP?
That transition back to school is ALWAYS hard! Each year I hear about all of you running around trying to schedule students, bemoaning the lack of prep that actually happened over the summer, and trying to find new systems that work for you.
But what if we could make it easier on ourselves, friends? 👀
This year, my team and I decided to create a series of posts that include helpful tips and tricks of the trade that can help ease that initial burden. Each week we will tackle something new so that you can hit the ground running!
Our topic today?
Scheduling 📆
This is a BIG one, and for a good reason -- it lets you know exactly how chaotic this school year is going to be!
Here's a few things I've learned and heard about that might make scheduling this year easier for you!
- Check with administration on the rules of pulling students from classes. Many schools have at least some restriction on pulling out of Math and Reading/Language Arts classes, and some also won't allow students to be pulled from certain enrichment activities. Knowing this before you make your schedule can save a ton of time and helps establish a good rapport with administration!
- Read the IEPS and service plans before making pull out/push-in and/or group plans! If their IEPs and Service Plans don't specify that they can receive services in a group setting or in a push-in mode of service, don't do it! While not common, you can definitely get called out on this if the IEP goes under review or the parent brings up concerns.
- Go to enrichment teachers first if that is your primary time to pull students. One of our team members used to pull each student's class schedule and it was a nightmare! Going straight to the enrichment teachers and getting their master schedule helps you see ALL of the classes. This is also a great way to introduce yourself and start off on a positive note with these teachers and coaches. Let them know what to expect--will you pull each child for a small amount of time, will you pull a group but bring them back/keep them for the entirety of the class, will there be days that you can't pull due to them testing/special events?
- If you can, wait a week or two before finalizing your schedule. Many schools go through significant schedule changes at the beginning of the school year, and your meticulously made schedule may be null and void!
- Do a “run-through”. Run through your schedule a week before you plan to address therapy goals. Not only does this let you see how it will work, but gives you an opportunity to meet the students and analyze the group dynamics. Make your revised schedule and run with it the following week!
I'm already excited to chat about our next topic! I hope this blog post series will help you start the school year on a positive note!
Happy Speeching
P.S. For more resources and ongoing support, join The Speech Therapy Toolbox! It's packed with valuable tools and strategies to help you excel in your school-slp role.
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