SLP Assistants: The special education staffing requirements (Virginia Special Education Regulations, 8 VAC 20-80-45) do not include a paraprofessional for speech-language caseloads. They are not allowed to practice independently and must be supervised by qualified staff.
Dysphagia: With advancements in medical technologies improving survival rates and changes in health provision limiting access to medical treatments, more children with swallowing problems are being directed to the public schools for services. Visit American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for more information about serving students with dysphagia in the public schools.
Phonological Awareness: The Special Education and Student Services has collaborated with the Elementary and Middle Education unit on the phonological awareness component of the Virginia Early Intervention Reading Initiative. Check this link for more information on this important initiative.