Does My Child Need Private Speech Therapy If They Get Services in School?

Written By Gina DeMasi

Many parents ask:

“My child already receives speech therapy at school, so do they still need private therapy?”

The answer depends on your child’s needs, goals, and progress. School-based speech therapy and private speech therapy serve different purposes, and many families choose to use both.

Understanding the differences can help you make the best decision for your child.

School-Based vs. Private Speech Therapy: What’s the Difference?

School-Based Speech Therapy

Speech therapy provided through school (CPSE/CSE services) focuses on helping a child succeed in the classroom environment.

The primary goal is educational impact.

Focus includes:

  • Accessing the curriculum

  • Classroom participation

  • Academic performance

  • Meeting IEP goals

  • Basic communication needs in school

Services are typically determined by eligibility criteria, school resources, and educational necessity.

Private Speech Therapy

Private speech therapy focuses on the child’s overall communication development, not just academic performance.

The goal is broader. Private speech therapy supports communication across all environments.

Focus includes:

  • Speech sound clarity and intelligbility

  • Language development

  • Social communication skills

  • Confidence and independence

  • Functional communication at home and in the community

  • Individualized goals beyond school requirements

Sessions are highly individualized and often more intensive.

Why Families Choose Private Therapy in Addition to School Services

Many children benefit from extra support beyond school-based services.

Parents may seek private therapy when:

  • Progress in school therapy is slow

  • Sessions at school are limited in frequency or duration

  • They want more individualized attention

  • Goals extend beyond academics

  • They want support at home or in real-life situations

  • Their child does not qualify for school services but still needs help

  • They want faster progress through more intensive intervention

School and private therapy can work together to support a child’s communication growth.

Benefits of Combining School and Private Speech Therapy

When used together, children often receive:

  • More consistent practice

  • Increased therapy intensity

  • Support across multiple environments

  • Faster skill development

  • Better generalization of skills

  • Stronger collaboration between providers

Think of private therapy as additional support, NOT a replacement.

How Do You Know If Your Child Needs Additional Support?

Consider seeking private speech therapy if your child:

  • Is difficult to understand

  • Struggles with language or social communication

  • Needs more practice than school provides

  • Shows frustration with communication

  • Has goals not addressed in school therapy

  • Is not making expected progress

You know your child best - and it’s okay to explore options.

Working Together With Your Child’s School Team

Private speech-language pathologists often collaborate with teachers and school therapists to ensure consistent strategies and goals.

A team approach helps children succeed across settings.

Supporting Long Island Families

At Little Talkers Speech Therapy, PLLC, we provide individualized, play-based speech and language therapy for babies, toddlers, and school-age children in Plainview and surrounding Long Island communities.

We work alongside families and schools to support meaningful communication growth.

📞 Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more.

(516) 231-2056

Gina DeMasi
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