GUIDANCE OFFICER
Assisting children with learning, social and
emotional issues
What does the Guidance
Officer do?
Guidance Officers are employed by Education Queensland to
work with children. Some staff work at a
number of schools. The type of support can depend on the needs of the child,
available services and resources.
How do I work out if
my child should see the Guidance Officer?
Any social or emotional difficulty
that significantly interferes in your child’s school life can be
referred. Problems outside of school
need to be referred to outside agencies.
How do I refer my
child?
Ask the classroom teacher for a Special
Needs Referral Form to be sent home.
Complete the form and return it to the teacher.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST
Assisting
students with special needs in communication.
What does the
Speech-Language Pathologist do?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are employed
by the Department of Education and Training (DET). SLPs provide services for
students with special needs in communication who are experiencing barriers
to learning.
SLPs are university trained health professionals
who are able to assess, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing
difficulties.
DET SLPs also work closely with the school
team to implement oral language and metalinguistic programs (whole school
approaches, whole class programs, and support programs)
Students with special needs in communication may need SLP assistance in the
following areas:
- Oral Language: Understanding directions, questions and different
types of word and sentence structures; expressing information, knowing the
words for things (vocabulary), and asking questions.
- Speech: Being able to say sounds correctly.
- Phonological Awareness: Being able to identify, segment, blend and
manipulate sounds.
- Pragmatics (Language
Use): Using language appropriately to
be able to relate to peers and teachers.
- Augmentative &
Alternative Communication (AAC): For students
requiring high and low tech communication aids, such as key word sign or voice
output applications.
- Eating and Drinking: For students who have difficulties with oral motor
control required to safely eat or drink.
I have concerns about my
child’s speech and/or language development. What can I do?
- Share your
concerns with the classroom teacher. The classroom teacher will be able to
provide further information about the DET SLP referral and prioritisation
process.
- Look at the
‘Parent Resources’ tab for information on speech and language development and
strategies to use at home.
- Download
the ‘SPEAK’ app by the Department of
Education and Training. This app provides a range of fun, free activities, ideas and information for
parents, carers and educators to support and nurture language development in
children from 0-6 years of age. Multiple activities are found within each age
group to help boost your child's speaking and listening ability.