Therapy Planning Tips For Your First Week as a School Speech Therapist

Embarking on your first day as a speech therapist in a school can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

Whether you’re fresh out of grad school, transitioning from a different setting, or moving to a new school, I've got essential tips and strategies to help you navigate your first day with confidence.

Here are my tips for getting organized and preparing for your first day of therapy!

Start Here

🔴 Organize therapy materials

🔴 Plan themes for the whole year

🔴 Determine & set up your data collection system (e.g. paper, Google Forms, spreadsheet, etc.)

For Students

🟠 Make student folders if needed

🟠 Organize & prep student homework

🟠 Prep go-to therapy materials (e.g. book companions, visuals, articulation drill sheets)

🟠 Prep & organize AAC systems (low-tech & high-tech)

Caregiver Communication

🟡 Determine parent communication system (e.g. take home notes, monthly newsletters)

🟡 Create introduction letter for caregivers (get one here)

Room Set Up

🟢 Set up functional room decor

🟢 Organize stations (e.g, play-based area, articulation station, etc.)

I hope this has been helpful! 😊

You might also be interested in checklists for:

✔️ Your First Day of School

✔️ Organization & Planning

✔️ Your First Day of Therapy