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Speech Implementer

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Speech Implementer Model

Written request for approval to use the model is made to the Compliance Section in the Office of Special Education. Request for approval must be made using the Speech Implementer Model Application below:

                        *(SLPs or SLP-As may not be available due to retirement or changes in career)

Speech Language Pathologist-Assistant (SLP-A) Information

The following additional information explains the requirements for use of the Speech Implementer Model as one of the allowable service delivery options for speech/language services in a Missouri public agency. This model should only be used  after unsuccessful attempts to hire or contract with a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), attempts to hire or contract with a registered speech-language pathology assistant (SLP-A) with a supervising speech-language pathologist, or the  use of telepractice to provide speech and language services has been thoroughly researched but is determined not feasible. Monitoring standards for this model are found in Section 400 of the Special Education Program Review Standards and Indicators Manual. Refer to the Standards and Indicators and DESE’s Speech Implementer Model - Requirements for Implementation to meet compliance requirements. Compliance with these standards will be monitored by the Office of Special Education.

Prior to requesting approval for the use of the Speech Implementer Model during any given school year, the public agency must:

Advertise/recruit and attempt to hire or contract with a licensed speech language pathologist (SLP) and/or a registered speech language pathology assistant (SLP-A) to fill the position. Continuous advertising of the position is required until the  SLP/SLP-A position is filled. Documentation of recruiting efforts must be maintained on file at the public agency and submitted along with the speech implementer application to DESE.
Consider the utilization of telepractice to provide speech and language services. The public agency will need to collect and use the appropriate information to make an informed decision regarding the use of telepractice to provide speech and language services.

For information regarding Speech Language Pathology-Assistant (SLP-A) university-level programs, see:

 

The table below provides a comparison of the SLP-A and speech implementer positions. The complete requirements for a SLP-A can be found in the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts SLP-A document on Licensing of Speech-Language Pathologists or in the Missouri Speech Pathologist Statutes

 

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A)

Speech Implementer

Credential

MO Board of Healing Arts issued Speech-  Language Pathology-Assistant Registration

Certification as a teacher issued by the State Board of Education

Scope/Use

Permanent service delivery option available for use as appropriate in any setting

Temporary, exception-based special education service delivery option. Must be DESE approved ANNUALLY based on inability to:

  1.   recruit/employ or contract with a licensed SLP or registered SLP-A
  2.   contract for telepractice

Degree Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology or equivalent defined as 21 hours in five speech/language areas, 25 hours of observation and 25 hours of clinical assisting or practicum    

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders and a valid MO teaching certificate or Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary or Secondary Education and a valid MO teaching certificate, including a valid Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC)

Supervisor

Credential

Board of Healing Arts SLP License and has been practicing for at least one year; may designate temporary, alternate supervising SLP if needed

Board of Healing Arts SLP License and/or DESE SLP certificate, and has been practicing for at least one year

Supervision Ratio

SLP can supervise three full-time equivalent positions at one time

SLP can supervise three full-time equivalent positions at one time

Level of Supervision

Required                

 

Direct supervision (real-time observing and viewing of assistant and student) for initial student contact. Thereafter, for each SLP-A, a minimum of one hour per week or one out of  every three sessions for each student. Supervision shall be distributed across the student caseload as appropriate to ensure adequate oversight.

Direct supervision (real-time observing and viewing of Speech Implementer and student) for initial student contact. Thereafter, for each SI, a minimum of one hour per week or one out of  every three sessions for each student. Supervision shall be distributed across the student caseload as appropriate to ensure adequate oversight.

Allowed Activities

 

Assists with the implementation of IEPs, screening without interpretation, and documenting progress as well as other activities such as early intervening services and language-literacy activities with non-disabled students under the supervision of a licensed SLP

Assists with the implementation of IEPs, screening without interpretation, and documenting progress under the supervision of a licensed SLP

 

Prohibited Activities

 

Cannot do the following: Conduct or interpret evaluations; determine eligibility; determine how speech/language services will be provided to individual students; interpret data; refer a student to other professionals, agencies, or individuals for services; write, develop or modify IEPs; assist with the treatment of a student without following an IEP prepared by the supervising SLP

Cannot do the following: Conduct or interpret evaluations; determine eligibility; determine how speech/language services will be provided to individual students; refer a student to other professionals, agencies, or individuals for services; write, develop or modify IEPs; interpret data; assist with the treatment of a student without following an IEP prepared by the supervising SLP

Individuals Served

 

Any individuals served by supervising SLP may be served by SLP-A; no restrictions based on functional deficits or client type

Limited to IDEA eligible students; as a certificated general education teacher, may provide CEIS services to nondisabled students

Medicaid Billing

Can bill if Missouri Medicaid expands to allow SLP-As per federal regulations

Unable to bill Medicaid even if Missouri Medicaid expands to allow SLP-As  

Retirement System

 

Position would not require a teaching certificate; therefore participates in PEERS retirement system

Position does require a teaching certificate; therefore participates in PSRS retirement system

 The application must be signed by the public agency's superintendent. This application contains the names and social security numbers of the supervising SLP and the speech implementer. Permission to use the model is granted by DESE based on the qualifications of the individuals designated to serve as the supervising SLP and the qualifications of the speech implementer as well as on the public agency’s assurance that has:

  1.     been unable to hire a qualified SLP or SLP-A after significant effort to do so as demonstrated by the documentation   submitted with the application
  2.     it has collected the appropriate information to consider the use of telepractice to provide speech and language   services.
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