Frequently Asked Questions: Qualified Providers of Speech-Language Pathology Services in Schools
- Who is considered a qualified provider of speech-language pathology services in schools?
- Why are school districts hiring "unqualified personnel" to fill the role of a speech language pathologist? Is this allowable according to the law?
- I have been asked to supervise an unqualified staff person who is providing speech language services in my school district. What should I do?
- What is ASHA doing to address these issues?
- What resources are available to help me educate the public about the role of SLPs?
Who is considered a qualified provider of speech-language pathology services in schools?
A qualified provider is an individual who meets the highest standards and requirements established by the state for employment as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The individual holds the appropriate state-issued teaching credential, certification or license and, if required, is credentialed by a nationally recognized certification authority for their profession.
ASHA considers the requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology to be minimal entry level requirements for SLPs regardless of their work setting. This includes:
- Holding a master's or doctoral degree that includes the demonstration of requisite knowledge and clinical competencies through academic coursework, supervised clinical practicum, and successful completion of the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology.
- Successful completion of the ASHA Clinical Fellowship (CF) experience.
When speech language pathology assistants are utilized, it is important to clearly define their scope, role and supervision requirements as outlined in ASHA's Scope of Practice for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). Each state may offer their own set of guidelines to follow regarding SLPAs which supersede ASHA guidance. See State-by-State for more information.
Why are school districts hiring "unqualified personnel" to fill the role of a speech language pathologist? Is this allowable according to the law?
School districts may hire "unqualified personnel" to fill speech-language pathologist positions because the law allows states to set their own requirements for these roles. These state requirements can be less strict than the national standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004:
- States can create their own certification or licensing rules for school-based speech- language pathologists.
- State requirements may be less rigorous than ASHA's certification or state licensure requirements.
- The law permits trained and supervised paraprofessionals and assistants to support the provision of special education and related services to children with disabilities.
- States must have policies to ensure that local education agencies (LEAs) actively work to recruit, hire, train, and retain highly qualified personnel for special education and related services. See Talking Points Against Reduction of Standards.
- The law does not allow schools to waive certification or licensure requirements on an emergency, temporary, or provisional basis due to personnel shortages.
See also IDEA: Qualified Providers.
I have been asked to supervise an unqualified staff person who is providing speech language services in my school district. What should I do?
Each professional role (i.e., speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant) requires specific training and expertise. Activities may be assigned only at the discretion of the supervising speech-language pathologist and should be constrained by the job responsibilities for support personnel.
The ASHA Board of Ethics refers individuals to the following sections of the ASHA Code of Ethics (2023), for specific discussion of these issues; Principle of Ethics I, Rules of Ethics D and E; Principle of Ethics II, Rules A, D, and E; and Principle of Ethics IV, Rule A. The communication needs and protection of the consumer must be held paramount at all times.
What is ASHA doing to address these issues?
ASHA is acutely aware of the issues that exist and the challenges that our members are facing in the school setting. ASHA assists members on an individual basis by providing professional consultation and access to resources and information to help advocate for change. ASHA works with state associations on initiatives to affect change. At the federal level, ASHA works on issues related to IDEA, Medicaid, and reimbursement for SLP services. If you feel that speech-language services are not being provided in an appropriate manner, you may contact your state speech-language-hearing association. See State-by-State for contacts. Ask them to file a complaint with the state department of special education services under Part B of IDEA.
A copy of the complaint may also be sent to the unit of the U.S. Department of Education that monitors Part B implementation:
U.S. Department of Education, OSERS
Office of Special Education Programs
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202
Phone: 202-245-7629
What resources are available to help me educate the public about the role of SLPs?
ASHA offers the following resources:
