Specifics of organizing speech therapy work in preschool educational institutions
The specifics of speech therapy work depend on the framework within which preschool educational institution it is implemented. Speech therapy work in a mass preschool educational institution is significantly different from work in a speech therapy preschool educational institution. First of all, this is due to the fact that speech therapy work in a speech kindergarten is carried out by a specialist and is integrated into the educational process, while in a mass preschool educational institution it goes in parallel and is carried out at a speech center.
Thus, speech therapy work in a mass kindergarten is additional, in contrast to a specialized kindergarten. There is no special time in the kindergarten schedule for classes with a speech therapist, so you have to carefully plan the schedule so that classes with a speech therapist are not conducted to the detriment of the educational program of the preschool educational institution.
The work of a speech therapist is based on taking into account the internal schedule of the preschool educational institution. The work schedule and schedule of classes drawn up by the speech therapist are approved by the methodologist and the head of the preschool educational institution.
In addition, we can highlight the following aspects of the specifics of organizing speech therapy work in preschool educational institutions:
- In the speech group, all children have equal speech impairments, which determine the speech therapist’s work program. At the speech center of a mass preschool educational institution, all children have various speech disorders (conclusion) and, accordingly, the work is structured individually.
- Currently, there is no correctional program to implement the full-fledged work of the logopunkt; the work is carried out on the basis of modern technologies and developments of various authors.
- The work of a speech therapist at a speech center, unlike a speech garden, is carried out in individual and subgroup classes. Lesson duration 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a week.
- Speech therapy work at the speech center “wedges itself” into the educational process, children receive correctional help in portions, while in the speech kindergarten children receive help daily according to a specialized program.
The identification and enrollment of children in speech therapy classes is carried out through a psychological, medical and pedagogical commission (PMPC), which issues a speech report to the child and issues an official document to the parents and speech therapist.
The number of children attending a speech therapy center at the same time is determined by the types and degree of speech disorders. If there are a large number of children with severe disabilities, no more than 12 people can be included in the group. If children have mild speech impediments, classes can be conducted with 20 children at the same time.
The same requirements underlie the establishment of the terms of correctional work, the leading forms of organization and the frequency of classes of correctional speech work.
Reason to contact a speech therapist
Many people believe that a speech therapist, be it a doctor or a teacher, only works with children, and there is no point in visiting one for an adult with speech impediments. This point of view is not true. Of course, adulthood is a factor that complicates working with speech problems. Many defects will no longer be completely eliminated, but achieving a certain improvement is quite possible.
It is necessary to contact a speech therapist in the following cases:
- after undergoing operations to remove the larynx or vocal cords: in such cases, the doctor helps the patient learn to use the glottis to produce certain sounds;
- as part of rehabilitation after a stroke: if brain damage affects the centers responsible for speech, paresis or paralysis of the muscles of the larynx and facial muscles may occur. In this case, the doctor suggests a special set of exercises that help achieve improvement;
- if speech impairments appeared after suffering mental disorders: work can be carried out together with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.
In addition, people who want to improve their oratory skills and improve their diction also come to a speech therapist. A speech therapist works with them.
Features, pros and cons of the profession of speech therapist
“In their work, a specialist needs to show great patience and restraint,” notes teacher-speech therapist Vita Bilukha. — It is important to have goodwill, communication skills, and intuition. Observation and perseverance, flexibility of mind are required. After all, often the presentation of material has to be rearranged on the fly: you expect one thing, but have to work with another.”
One of the main difficulties of the profession is the need to work with “difficult” children. Without a sincere desire to help, to go through a long path of correction step by step, patience - it is very difficult to cope with the psychological load. Another significant disadvantage is the huge number of documents that a specialist must maintain when working in a budget institution. They either get used to this or go into private practice, where the specialist determines the scope of reporting for himself.
How many hours does a speech therapist work?
The standard work rate in a budget institution is 20 hours a week, that is, a speech therapist works 4 hours a day. This is one of the advantages of the profession: such a schedule allows you not to get tired or overloaded. There is always time left for personal matters, and if you wish, you can engage in private practice in your free time.
How long is a speech therapist's vacation?
Long vacations are another plus of the profession. Its duration is 56 days. And since specialists work in schools or kindergartens, where the educational process lasts from September to May, vacations always fall only in the summer months, which is also convenient.
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How much does a speech therapist earn?
The salary level does not differ from the usual in the public sector. Depending on the region and place of work, a specialist can count on 17–20 thousand rubles per month. The average salary of a speech therapist in a school is usually higher than in a kindergarten.
“A speech therapist has no career growth as such,” clarifies Vita Bilukha. “But now more and more specialists are going into private practice. Those who have self-discipline and organizational character can achieve good results. In this case, the specialist himself sets the hourly wage.”
According to the expert, only those who like to feel the usefulness of their work and who want to help people become healthier and happier can successfully realize themselves in the profession. And only in second place in importance should come short working hours and long vacations. In this case, the person will enjoy his work.
