When children begin to struggle, either personally or in school, it’s alarming. Parents worry that early delays can result in significant setbacks. While it is true that delays can compound, the good news is that there are many systems in place within school districts to identify difficulties early and address them as proactively as possible.
In this article, we take a look at how early intervention can have a transformative impact on the lives of struggling children.
Identifying How Difficulties Are Detected
First, how do school districts go about identifying when an intervention is required? That’s a difficult question in that there’s not a single answer.
Sometimes it might be through the use of standardized testing. For example, if a student is testing significantly below their age level, the school will likely reevaluate them based on the areas that they’re struggling in to identify commonalities. It could be that they have testing anxiety or that a single conceptual barrier is standing in the way of better results.
On the other hand, low testing scores could indicate a learning disability or possibly an environmental factor that warrants consideration.
Students who miss a lot of school or are frequently tardy will often test considerably lower than students who attend class regularly.
There are too many specific scenarios to fully name. For example, if a student is showing signs of a speech barrier, they’ll likely be screened for speech-language pathology services.
If they are demonstrating consistent behavioral challenges, they might sit down with the school social worker or counselor for an additional assessment.
Teachers and school administrators are mandated reporters. They are very literally legally required to note instances of concern and take a proactive approach to handling them.
What Happens Once a School Has Identified a Problem?
Once the school has identified a problem, they will be as proactive as they can in addressing it.
In most cases, the response will take place in-house, meaning that the student will visit with a school counselor or speech-language pathologist during normal hours and on campus.
Smaller districts may require shared resources, in which case the student might have only partial access to the professional support they require, or they may even be transported to the speech-language pathologist or other professional.
In cases of learning or behavioral barriers that are interfering directly with the student’s ability to learn, the school will be required to develop a plan clearly identifying goals, actions, and student rights designed to achieve the stated objectives.
Most commonly, these plans will take the form of an IEP, Individualized Education Plan.
IEPs are an important resource for the student in that they are a legally binding document that guarantees their rights to tailored educational services.
They’re also empowering for parents because it allows the guardian to review the school’s stated goals and compare them to what’s actually being done. Are the student’s accommodations being executed? Are those accommodations achieving their intended effect?
If parents are displeased with the way an IEP is carried out, or if they feel amendments are required, they’re able at any time to schedule a meeting with the school.
During that meeting, they’ll be able to consult with special educators, speech-language pathologists, where appropriate, and even school administrators to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
How Early Intervention Services Can Help Students Find Their Voice
We’ve explained the process. Even though there are clearly described steps that take place when a barrier to learning or communication is identified, it’s often still an experience of panic and dread for parents.
They naturally really worry that their student will fall behind relative to their peers and to where they’re supposed to be.
How warranted are these fears?
The good news is that many students receiving SLP services or even special education services go on to achieve great things.
Speech-language barriers are particularly treatable. Many people who begin working on barriers to communication at an early age will go on to communicate without any type of impediment at all by the time they reach adulthood.
While the school will provide much of the resources required, it’s also important to help at home. Communicate with the support team provided by your school to identify ways you can support your student on their learning journey.
In the case of speech or communication difficulties, it’s often mostly a matter of patience and repetition.
For example, if your student struggles to articulate certain phrases, you can gently reinforce correct pronunciation by restating the word conversationally. Oh, you’re right, I think that is a red robin. In this way, your student hears the correct phrasing.
Conclusion
While this is a position that can feel stressful or even hopeless, it’s ultimately a positive development in the lives of students who need extra help. Special education, counseling, speech, and language assistance are all services designed to optimize a student’s learning environment to suit their unique needs.
The child goes from struggling to being supported. Through this, they gain content mastery and, more importantly, confidence that they’re capable of learning, communicating, and embracing course materials just like their classmates.
It’s ultimately an empowering experience that can positively influence the direction of their entire lives as students.
