Can speech implementers register and provide services as SLP assistants?
Yes — if they meet the SLP assistant requirements including training and supervision, implementers can register as SLP assistants. However, the education and supervision requirements for an SLP assistant are substantially different from those for a speech implementer. The SLP assistant must have a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and one of every three therapy sessions provided by the assistant must be directly supervised by a licensed SLP. The speech implementer may hold a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or hold a teaching certificate “preferably” in special education or elementary education. Direct supervision may be provided by either a licensed or DESE certificated SLP and the supervision is “periodic” at the school’s discretion. It is advisable for an implementer to check with the school district to see if the level of supervision necessary for an SLP assistant can or will be available.