SPEECH THERAPY FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS: WHAT TO ASK BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What to Ask a Speech-Language Pathologist Before You Hire Them
Choosing a speech-language pathologist (SLP), especially for early intervention or preschool speech therapy, is a big decision. You’re not just selecting a provider. You’re choosing someone who will partner with your family, understand your child, and guide meaningful communication growth.
Many families assume that any speech therapy clinic will produce results. In reality, the structure of services, therapist experience, and therapy approach can vary widely. Asking the right questions upfront can help you feel confident that your child is receiving individualized, high-quality care.
Below are thoughtful, parent-friendly questions to ask a potential speech therapist, along with why each one matters.
Quick Parent Guide
“Choosing a speech-language pathologist isn’t just about availability or location. The right SLP should offer consistency, individualized goals, clear progress updates, and family-centered support. The questions below help parents evaluate whether a speech therapist is the right fit for their child, before therapy begins.”
1. Who Will Be Working Directly With My Child During Speech Therapy?
Why it matters:
Some clinics use a team-based or high-volume model where multiple providers rotate through sessions. While this works for some families, many children benefit from consistency and a strong therapeutic relationship.
What to listen for:
Will my child see the same SLP each session?
Is therapy led by a licensed SLP or a mix of assistants and therapists?
How is continuity maintained if staffing changes?
Consistency supports trust, engagement, and steady progress, especially for young children or those with language delays.
2. How Many Children Does the SLP See Per Day?
Why it matters:
Caseload size can impact how much planning, documentation, and individualized attention an SLP is able to provide.
What to listen for:
Does the SLP have time to plan sessions specifically for my child?
Are sessions truly individualized, or are they more curriculum-based?
Therapy should feel intentional and responsive, not rushed or one-size-fits-all.
3. How Are Goals Selected and Updated?
Why it matters:
High-quality speech therapy is driven by data, clinical expertise, and family priorities.
What to listen for:
Are goals based on a formal evaluation and ongoing progress monitoring?
How often are goals reviewed or adjusted?
Will I have input as a parent?
The best outcomes happen when therapy goals are functional, measurable, and meaningful for daily life.
4. How Will I Know If My Child Is Making Progress?
Why it matters:
Parents deserve transparency. Progress should be clearly explained, not just assumed.
What to listen for:
Will I receive regular updates or parent education?
Are progress notes shared and explained in plain language?
How do you handle plateaus or slower progress?
Speech therapy is a process, and open communication builds trust and realistic expectations.
5. What Does a Typical Session Look Like?
Why it matters:
Therapy should be engaging, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate.
What to listen for:
Is therapy play-based, structured, or a blend?
How is motivation maintained?
How are skills generalized beyond the therapy room?
Effective therapy often looks like play, but it’s carefully planned with clear clinical intent.
6. How Do You Support Carryover at Home?
Why it matters:
Progress accelerates when families are involved.
What to listen for:
Do you provide strategies for home practice?
Will I understand how to support my child between sessions?
Speech therapy shouldn’t feel mysterious. Parents should feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
7. What Is Your Experience With Children Like Mine?
Why it matters:
While all licensed SLPs have broad training, experience matters.
What to listen for:
Have you worked with children with similar needs?
How do you individualize therapy based on temperament and learning style?
The right fit can make a meaningful difference in progress and confidence.
A Final Thought for Parents
As a licensed speech-language pathologist working closely with families, I’ve seen how the right therapy fit can significantly impact a child’s progress and confidence. There are many dedicated, skilled speech-language pathologists working in a variety of settings. No single model is “wrong,” but not every model is the right fit for every child.
Asking these questions isn’t about being critical; it’s about being informed. Your child deserves therapy that is intentional, individualized, and rooted in connection.
At Speechie Auntie, we believe in:
Low-volume, high-quality care
Consistency and relationship-based therapy
Transparent communication with families
Evidence-based, play-centered sessions
If you’re exploring speech therapy options in Leander, Cedar Park, or surrounding Central Texas communities, we’re always happy to answer questions, even if you’re just gathering information.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re wondering whether Speechie Auntie might be the right fit for your child’s early intervention or preschool speech therapy, reach out for a complimentary in-person consultation. Choosing the right SLP can change the trajectory of your child’s communication journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Written by Sonia Chowdhury Lopez, MS, CCC-SLP
Owner and Speech-Language Pathologist at Speechie Auntie
