For ASSISTANCE in Proposal Development Contact:

School District/Cooperative: Address:

Phone:

Fax:

E-mail:

LEA Supervisor/EC Coordinator:

Contact Person (If other than the person listed above):

Supervising Speech-Language Pathologist(s):

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant(s):

Speech-Language Pathology Aide(s):

Description of caseload to be served (Use additional paper if needed):

Service delivery/supervision plan (Use additional paper if needed):

Training plan: (Use additional paper if needed)

Attachments:

The applicant assures that speech-language pathology assistants and/or aides will be supervised by a speech-language pathologist with a master's degree in speech-language pathology and a valid public school certificate/license issued by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) or a valid license issued by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA).

The applicant assures that individuals involved in the use of speech-language pathology assistants and/or aides will abide by the Code of Ethics established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

The applicant assures that the program will be implemented as outlined in the program proposal for the use of speech-language pathology assistants and/or aides as approved by the ADE following the established guidelines.

The applicant assures that the supervising speech-language pathologist(s) and the speech-language pathology assistant(s) and/or aide(s) will participate in training as required by the Arkansas Department of Education guidelines.

The applicant agrees to compile data, submit reports, and keep such records as the ADE may require to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

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Speech-Language Assistant/Aide

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Superintendent/Co-op Program Director

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LEA Supervisor/ Early Childhood Coordinator

__________

Date

Suggested Format for a Written Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant or Aide

RESPONSIBLE TO:

QUALIFICATIONS:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES:

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

The speech-language pathology assistant may:

The speech-language pathology assistant may not:

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

EVALUATION:

Proper supervision requires effective planning and communication among all individuals concerned. Supervision should be the joint responsibility of the supervising speech-language pathologist, school principal, and/or designated administrator and the supervisor for special education for the district. It is important that supervision be well organized and consistent. If the speech-language pathology assistant/aide works at a school when the supervising speech-language pathologist is not present, the individual school principal or a certified designee shall be responsible for the supervision of the assistant/aide.

If, at any time, a question or problem should arise relating to the supervision of the speech-language pathology assistant/aide, all concerned with the supervision of the assistant/aide should be available for consultation. If resolution of the problem or question cannot be informally attained, then any personnel involved in the matter should follow the established chain of command until a final resolution is reached. It is suggested that formal communication between the assistant/aide and speech-language pathologist and any other involved in supervision of the assistant/aide be documented in writing.

The chain of command should be clearly delineated to supervisors and assistants/aides. In the event that complaints, comments, suggestions or any other relevant input are necessary, all team members will know with whom to discuss these issues.

Evaluation of the on-the-job performance of the assistant/aide is an essential component of the program. While the supervising speech-language pathologist is a primary source of supervisory information as to the assistant's/aide's performance, the evaluation is the primary responsibility of each school principal or person so designated by the local school board to be in charge of education personnel evaluation.

The supervisory checklists completed by the supervising speech-language pathologist during observation activities will form the basis for job performance evaluation of assistants/aides. While the supervisory checklists will be reviewed, a formal evaluation should be scheduled and conducted according to the policy and procedures of the local school district.

The evaluation can be an excellent source of data related to appropriate topics for inservice training. Skills which may need to be expanded or updated can be identified. Duties or responsibilities which may not be well understood can be targeted for review. In addition, this is an opportunity for supervisors and assistants/aides to review the job description and discuss any changes which may assist in clarifying expectations, as well as limitations, of the position.