Speech Therapy
Category
Child & Family Health
Child's Age
Prenatal, 0-1 years, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years, 4-5 years
Participant
Children, Parents/Guardian
Languages
English
Brief Description
Speech therapy services for uninsured and underinsured children via the provision of therapeutic visits with a qualified licensed therapist.
Expected Impact
- Increase positive speech outcomes for children and families
Core Components for Model Fidelity
- Patient Visits: Visits with a licensed medical provider for medically defined preventative or responsive care
Ideally, services are provided in coordination with the patient's primary medical home.
Languages Materials are Available in
English
Delivery Mode
Dependent upon therapist's policy.
Dosage
As needed, based on the reccomendation of a licensed provider.
Infrastructure for Implementation
Other: Please note that Smart Start funds can only be used to provide services not covered by Medicaid. As a network, Smart Start does not duplicate existing services.
Staffing Requirements
Speech therapy services are provided by a qualified, licensed speech-language pathologist, such as an ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist.
Training for Model Fidelity
Training varies based on recommendations and requirements of relevant professional associations.
Contact Information
LPs will need to coordinate with licensed medical providers and are encouraged to convene all relevant providers in their community.
Cost Estimates
Cost estimates vary based on local market rates.
Purpose Service Code (PSC)
5415 - Health Care Access and Support
Program Identifier (PID)
Speech Therapy
Minimal Outputs for NCPC Reporting
FY 24-25:
- Number of children receiving therapeutic interventions
Minimal Outcomes for NCPC Reporting
FY 24-25:
- Increase in developmental screenings or assessments, referrals, and child use of services
- More children on track for typical and/on enhanced development
Minimal Measures for NCPC Reporting
FY 24-25:
- Child Therapy Measure
- Child Screenings, Referrals, and Use of Services Calculation: Child - Other Service Use
- Local Write-in as determined by Speech Therapist
NCPC Evidence Categorization
Evidence Informed- Industry Standard
Research Summary
Two of the most relevant publications on speech therapy for young children include webpages from Healthline1 and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).2 The Healthline webpage defines speech therapy as "the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders." ASHA indicates that the signs of speech, language, and hearing disorders vary by age and may include not babbling, not using gestures, not putting two words together, and difficulty with early reading and writing. Signs of speech sound disorders include difficulty pronouncing sounds like "p," "w," and "t" or stuttering (including repeating the first sounds of words, stretching sounds out, or pausing often while talking). ASHA recommends that parents and caregivers concerned about their child's speech or language development seek help early by contacting a speech-language pathologist who have earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA. These professionals may provide diagnosis and treatment through services like speech-language therapy.
The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists provide clear guidelines and resources about licensure for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Additionally, North Carolina state legislation includes statutes regarding licensure for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, N.C.G.S. § 90-22, provides clear practice guidelines which all services provided through a Smart Start Local Partnership must adhere to, ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families across NC.
- ^ See Santos-Longhurst (2019). This webpage summarizes speech therapy and treatment. Speech therapy is defined in the article as "the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders." Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide speech therapy services, which are designed to improve an individual's communication. Speech therapy for young children typically addresses concerns such as articulation disorders, fluency disorders, and resonance disorders, among others. During visits with an SLP, children interact through talking, playing, modeling sounds and syllables, using books to stimulate language, and providing parents and caregivers with strategies or homework to implement at home. Specific goals, treatments, and dosages may vary depending on the child's age, their needs, and any underlying medical conditions.
- ^ See American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (n.d.). This webpage from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) describes the signs of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Signs of language problems vary by age and may include not babbling, not using gestures, not putting two words together, and difficulty with early reading and writing. Children with voice disorders may have hoarse, scratchy voices or sound nasal while a child with hearing loss may have difficulty paying attention to sounds, responding when their name is called, or following directions. Signs of speech sound disorders include difficulty pronouncing sounds like "p," "w," and "t" or stuttering (including repeating the first sounds of words, stretching sounds out, or pausing often while talking). ASHA recommends that parents and caregivers concerned about their child's speech or language development seek help early by contacting a speech-language pathologist who have earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA. These professionals may provide diagnosis and treatment through services like speech-language therapy.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Early Identification of Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders. https://www.asha.org/public/early-identification-of-speech-language-and-hearing-disorders/
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-22 (2022). https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_90/Article_22.html
North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. (n.d.). Home - North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. https://ncboeslpa.org/
Santos-Longurst, A. (2019). What is Speech Therapy? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/speech-therapy
Local Partnerships Currently Implementing
Local Partnerships in purple have adopted Speech Therapy. Local Partnership contact information can be found here.