Private vs. School-Based Speech Therapy: What Parents Should Know
Learn the key differences between school-based and private speech therapy—and how both can work together to support your child’s communication.
Private vs. School-Based Speech Therapy: What Parents Should Know
Understanding the differences—and how they can work together.
As the school year begins, many families are navigating speech and language evaluations, IEP meetings, and questions about services. If you’re wondering about the differences between private and school-based speech therapy, and how to choose what’s best for your child, you’re not alone.
The truth is: both options can be incredibly valuable—and often work best when combined. Here's what parents should know about the differences between private and school-based speech therapy, and how private services can fill the gaps.
School-Based Therapy: Support Within an Educational Framework
School speech-language pathologists provide essential services to students whose communication needs directly impact their ability to learn and participate in school. These services are guided by federal law and typically include:
Evaluations for eligibility through the special education process
Services written into an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Goals that align with academic performance and classroom needs
Therapy delivered in small groups or within the classroom
Limited frequency—often 20–30 minutes once per week
School-based therapists are skilled professionals, but they often manage large caseloads and must work within educational guidelines, which can affect how often and what type of support your child receives.
Private Therapy: Flexible, Personalized, and Family-Focused
Private speech therapy offers more flexibility and a deeply individualized approach. Services are not tied to school eligibility or academic impact and can focus on any area of concern. At Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy, private sessions may include:
One-on-one therapy without the need for an IEP
Goals that reflect the child’s full developmental profile—not just academic performance
Therapy that takes place in your home, virtually, or in a familiar community setting
Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends
Parent involvement and consistent home support
Progress updates after every session
Private therapy allows us to target goals that are meaningful for your family—whether that’s improving articulation, building confidence in conversations, or supporting overall language development.
Can My Child Receive Both?
Yes. Many children receive services through their school and also work with a private SLP. Here’s why families often choose both:
To receive more frequent or intensive therapy
To work on goals that fall outside the school’s scope
To support carryover into home and social settings
To ensure continuity during school breaks, transitions, or waitlists
With your permission, I’m happy to collaborate with your child’s school-based team to support shared goals and create a more unified plan.
Supporting Your Child in Every Setting
Both school-based and private therapy play important roles in a child’s development. While school therapy ensures access to education, private therapy offers added flexibility, focus, and family involvement.
You don’t have to choose just one—and you don’t need to wait for an IEP to begin.
Serving Families in Commerce Township and Surrounding Areas
Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy provides in-home, virtual, and community-based speech and language support for families in Commerce Township, Oakland County, and nearby communities.
If you’re navigating new school routines, recent evaluations, or concerns about your child’s communication, I’d love to help.
Let’s create a plan that works for your child—and your family.
Reach out here
Noticing Communication Differences? Here’s When Support May Help
Wondering if your child might need speech therapy? Learn common signs, key milestones, and how to decide if support could help—without pressure.
Is Speech Therapy Right for My Child? Here’s What to Look For
Noticing differences in your child’s communication? Here’s how to explore support—without pressure or panic.
Every child develops communication skills in their own way and on their own timeline. It’s common for parents to wonder:
Is this typical? Should we wait and see? Would support help?
You don’t need a diagnosis or an IEP to ask questions or seek answers. Private speech and language therapy is a way to explore support that’s collaborative, individualized, and designed to meet your child where they are.
Here are some signs that speech therapy may be helpful:
Speech Sound Development
Your child may:
Be harder to understand than peers of the same age
Use substitutions or approximations for certain sounds (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”)
Avoid certain words or get frustrated when not understood
Speech therapy can support your child in building clearer speech, increasing their confidence, and finding joy in communication.
Understanding and Expressing Language
Your child may:
Seem unsure when following directions
Use fewer words or shorter sentences than expected for their age
Have difficulty answering questions or telling stories
Struggle to explain their ideas, even when they seem to know what they want to say
Therapy can provide space to grow these skills through connection, play, and meaningful interaction—not drills or pressure.
Social Interaction and Communication
Your child may:
Prefer solo play or have challenges with conversation flow
Miss subtle social cues or interpret language literally
Repeat phrases, focus on specific topics, or communicate in ways that are unique to them
These are not deficits—they're differences. Therapy can help build flexibility, understanding, and comfort navigating social spaces, while honoring the ways your child communicates best.
What About Milestones?
While all children develop at their own pace, here are some general markers that may help you reflect on your child’s current communication:
By age 2: Uses at least 50 words, combines 2 words, follows simple directions
By age 3: Speech is understood by familiar and unfamiliar listeners most of the time
By age 4–5: Uses full sentences, tells simple stories, answers “wh” questions
At any age: Frequent frustration when trying to communicate or not being understood may be a sign that support could help
If your child isn’t meeting these milestones—or if you just have a gut feeling something is off—it’s okay to explore further. Early support can make a big difference in confidence and connection.
When to Seek Support
You don’t need to wait for a certain milestone—or a school referral—to explore therapy. If you’ve noticed communication challenges, or simply want guidance on how to support your child’s development, it’s okay to reach out.
Private therapy can begin at any time and can complement school services or provide support where none currently exists.
What Makes Bud to Blossom Different
My practice is built on respect, collaboration, and affirming care. I work with children and families to:
Build communication skills in ways that feel natural and empowering
Focus on connection, not correction
Honor each child’s learning style and identity
Therapy sessions are play-based, individualized, and designed to feel safe, engaging, and effective.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re in Commerce Township or the surrounding areas of Oakland County, I’d love to connect. Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy offers in-home and virtual speech services designed to support your child’s growth—at school, at home, and in the community.
Let’s talk about what support could look like for your family.
Reach out here