GCPS is home to approximately 350 Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) who serve our students across all clusters ages Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12. They provide services for students who have a Speech Language disorder, which may include Articulation, Language, Voice, and Fluency. Additionally, the district’s SLPs offer services to students with multiple exceptionalities, including Autism, Mild and Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, Other Health Impaired Disabilities, and Hearing Impaired. 

“GCPS SLPs work collaboratively with families and school personnel to ensurestudents develop the communication skills to access the curriculum in their educational environment,” says Dr. Tammy S. Truitt, coordinator of the school district’s Speech Language Impaired Program. (Pictured right: GCPS Speech Language Pathologist Rachel Scruggs works on 'how' and 'why' questions with Bradley, a 2nd grader at Ivy Creek ES.)

In recognition of National Speech-Language Pathologist Day, Dr. Truitt shares a special message. “Thank you to GCPS’ speech language pathologists for all you do for our students. You impact more than 13,396 students daily, providing them with speech and language services in excellence. Your hard work and dedication never go unnoticed. Today, we celebrate you!”

While SLPs serve students in our schools because this is their passion, they also follow many career options to serve the public in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Most speech language pathologists have their Clinical Competency Certification (CCC) offered by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), and any SLP working in the school setting has obtained a graduate degree.

For questions regarding your child’s speech and language development, please contact the Special Education and Psychological Services department to learn more about the services available to students across our learning communities.

Did you know…

• Communication is the channel through which all other learning happens. Difficulties with speech and language will affect a child’s ability to learn and to socialize and make new friends.
• By 1st grade, most children can understand about 10,000 words.
• Parents and caregivers tend to shape word meaning in children before they shape grammar.

Speech Language Pathology facts provided by ASHA in recognition of Better Speech and Hearing Month, May 2023.