Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) in San Jose, California at The Creekside School
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Job Description
About Company:
Our Philosophy!
Creekside staff draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches and therapeutic interventions to fit the individual needs of each child.
Student-Centered Learning
We take a student-centered, holistic approach to learning that:
- Recognizes each student's unique and special learning differences
- Uses personal interests and autonomy as the primary drive for learning
- Addresses sensory processing and biomedical needs
- Understands psychological and emotional factors in supporting students
- Considers developmental levels in designing curriculum
- Develops positive relationships between students and their Creekside team
Long-Term Goal
Our learning goal is to help our students achieve greater independence, and we assist them in that preparation by helping them to:
- Develop academic skills and generalize them across multiple life contexts
- Build effective communication skills and master social skills to promote meaningful social interactions.
- Learn positive behaviors and self-regulation strategies
- Gain life skills and experience through frequent and meaningful interactions in the community
About the Role:
The Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) plays a vital role in supporting licensed speech-language pathologists in delivering high-quality speech and language therapy services within educational settings. This position focuses on assisting with the implementation of individualized treatment plans designed to improve students' communication skills, including articulation, fluency, voice, and language comprehension. The SLPA collaborates closely with speech-language pathologists, educators, and families to monitor student progress and adapt interventions as needed. By providing direct support to students under supervision, the SLPA helps enhance their academic performance and social interactions. Ultimately, this role contributes significantly to fostering effective communication skills that empower students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Responsibilities:
- Assist licensed speech-language pathologists in implementing individualized therapy plans tailored to students' specific communication needs.
- Conduct therapy sessions with students under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist, ensuring adherence to established protocols and goals.
- Document student progress and maintain accurate records of therapy sessions, observations, and outcomes.
- Collaborate with educators, families, and other school personnel to support students' communication development and generalize skills across environments.
- Prepare and organize therapy materials and resources to facilitate effective treatment sessions.
- Participate in team meetings and professional development activities to stay informed about best practices and emerging techniques in speech-language pathology.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Completion of an accredited Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant program or equivalent coursework.
- Certification or licensure as an SLPA in the state of employment, as required by local regulations.
- Basic understanding of speech and language development and common communication disorders.
- Ability to follow detailed treatment plans and work under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students, families, and school staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with children in educational settings.
- Familiarity with assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
- Knowledge of special education laws and Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes.
- Additional certifications related to speech-language pathology support or early childhood education.
- Bilingual abilities or experience working with diverse student populations.
Skills:
The SLPA utilizes strong communication skills daily to engage effectively with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring clear understanding and collaboration. Attention to detail is critical when implementing therapy plans and documenting student progress to maintain compliance and support data-driven decisions.
Organizational skills are essential for preparing materials and managing multiple caseloads efficiently. The ability to adapt and apply knowledge of speech and language development allows the SLPA to tailor interventions to individual student needs under supervision. Preferred skills such as familiarity with assistive technology and cultural competence enhance the SLPA's capacity to provide inclusive and innovative support, ultimately improving student outcomes.