Today, we recognize all the dedicated professionals, loving families, and supportive individuals who make up the Special Education system, which as of 2019, provides services to 7.5 million children in the US. The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) ensures that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living. Ways that schools implement the IDEA are through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans. 

Is your child on an IEP or 504 Plan? Speech, Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy may be required parts of these plans. If your child receives special education services at school, the goals that your child is working towards focus on academic success. 

Goals set by a Speech-Language Pathologist, Physical Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist in a clinic will focus more on daily life and functioning in the family and in the community.

Services provided in a private clinic, like Chatterbox, can further support and complement therapy goals that are targeted in school services.

Additionally, these services are provided in different ways with different frequency. Take a look at this chart to learn more about the differences between school-based special education services and clinic-based therapy.