Speech Implementer
Requirements for Use of the 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:
- Speech Implementer Model Approval Application rev. 12/2018 (Effective for the 2019/2020 School Year)
- Written Description of Speech Implementer Model (Plan for training and supervision to submit with the application)
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 in lieu of unsuccessful attempts to hire a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) or a licensed speech-language pathology assistant (SLP-A) and supervising speech-language pathologist to provide services. Monitoring standards for this model are found in the Special Education Program Review Standards and Indicators Manual Section 400 of the Standards and Indicators Manual . Refer to the Standards and Indicators 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 agency must advertise/recruit and attempt to hire a licensed speech language pathologist (SLP) and a licensed speech language pathology assistant (SLP-A) to fill the position. Continuous advertising of the position is required until the position is filled. Documentation of recruiting efforts must be maintained on file in the agency and submitted along with the speech implementer application to DESE.
For information regarding SLP-A recruitment, see Program Contacts for SLP-Assistants (SLP-A’s)
The table below provides a comparison of the two positions:
|
|
SLP-A |
SI |
|
Credential |
MO Board of Healing Arts issued SLP-Assistant Registration |
DESE issued Educator Certificate |
|
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 recruit/employ certificated SLP or SLP- |
|
Degree Required |
Bachelors Degree in Speech Pathology or equivalent defined as 21 hours in five speech/language areas, 5 hours of observation and 25 hours of clinical assisting or practicum |
Bachelors Degree in Communication Disorders and a MO teaching certificate or Bachelors Degree in Elementary or Secondary Education and a valid MO teaching certificate |
|
Supervisor Credential |
Board of Healing Arts SLP License; may designate temporary alternate |
Board of Healing Arts SLP License |
|
Supervision Ratio |
SLP can supervise three full-time equivalent assistant positions at one time |
Although there is no limit on the number of implementers an SLP can supervise, caseloads must be taken into consideration |
|
Level of Supervision Required
|
Direct supervision (real-time observing and viewing of assistant and student) for initial student contact; thereafter one hour per week for each assistant or one of every three student sessions |
Supervising SLP conducts periodic direct therapy sessions as described in written description of the SI model for students assigned to the implementer |
|
Allowed Activities
|
Assists with the implementation of IEPs, screening, 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, and documenting progress under the supervision of a licensed SLP
|
|
Prohibited Activities
|
Cannot do the following: Conduct evaluations; determine eligibility; make case selection; interpret data; make referrals; write, develop or modify IEPs |
Cannot do the following: Conduct evaluations; determine eligibility; write, develop or modify IEPs; interpret data |
|
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 Speech Implementer Model requires a supervising SLP. This individual must hold a valid license from the Missouri Board of Healing Arts. A teaching certificate is no longer issued by the DESE. Therefore, newly hired SLPs must be licensed. The only exception to this requirement is a SLP who is already employed in the district may continue to provide supervision and services with their valid Missouri teaching certificate as long as they have not retired from the district.
The individual hired as the implementer must have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary or Secondary Education and a current Missouri teaching certificate OR a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders and a current Missouri teaching certificate.
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 speech implementer and on the agency’s assurance of its inability to hire a qualified SLP or SLP-A after significant effort to do so as demonstrated by the documentation submitted with the application.
