12/01/2025
This topic is not that cool or interesting. But it is incredibly important.
Time Management Tips for School-Based SLPs 😳🥳
Because somehow we’re expected to evaluate never-ending referrals, see all the kids, attend all the meetings… Personally - I value quality therapy and evaluations over sitting in every second of every IEP meeting.
Here are a few strategies that have actually helped me save time:
🗂️ 1. Get Excused from Dual IEPs When Appropriate
If you don’t need to be present for the whole meeting, a quick parent phone call can go a long way. Explain your input, answer questions, and request an excusal ahead of time. It’s respectful, efficient, and frees up precious therapy minutes. Of course, confirm parents are in agreement with new goals and schedule of service. Answer questions and be open to parent feedback.
🧠 2. Write Present Levels + Draft Goals Before the Meeting
Sending your PLAAFP and goal drafts to the team ahead of staffing helps everyone come prepared — and cuts the meeting time in half. Plus, you get clearer, more thoughtful goals when you’re not writing them on the fly.
🎒 3. Keep a Library of Low-Prep Therapy Materials
Visuals, quick articulation lists, language task cards, short reading passages… whatever is appropriate for your caseload. Having grab-and-go materials ready means less time prepping and more time connecting with kids.
📝 4. Batch Your Documentation
Set specific blocks for Medicaid notes, progress reports, and email catch-up. Protect those minutes like gold.
✨ Being an SLP in the schools is no small task. Work smarter, protect your time, and give yourself so much grace. You’re doing amazing work. 💛
I truly believe calling a parents before meetings is meaningful and more personal!
