The Jump Ahead Pediatrics team had the best time at the ASHA convention meeting so many speech language pathologists, graduate students, and school partners from all over! There is something special about being in a room full of people who understand the mission to help others!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared your story, asked questions, and connected with our team. We left ASHA feeling energized, encouraged, and genuinely grateful!
If you did not get a chance to meet us in person, here is a look at what it is like to work as an SLP with Jump Ahead Pediatrics in a school based role!
What Working as a School Based SLP at Jump Ahead Pediatrics Looks Like
At Jump Ahead Pediatrics, we want SLPs to feel supported, consistent, and set up to do great work with students. School based speech therapy is rewarding and also demanding, so our model prioritizes stability and professional growth.
Jump Ahead Pediatrics routinely hires both experienced SLPs, CFs, and new graduates. We welcome clinicians at different career stages and value the unique strengths each person brings to our team. Whether you’re looking to grow your skills as a new grad or bring years of experience to a collaborative setting, you’ll find meaningful opportunities to thrive and make an impact with the families we serve.
Supervision
For Clinical Fellows (CFs), strong supervision isn’t just helpful—it’s required. At Jump Ahead Pediatrics, CFs are mentored by an ASHA-certified SLP (CCC-SLP) who provides consistent guidance throughout the fellowship, including both direct observation and indirect support like feedback, planning, and case consultation. This structure ensures CFs are meeting ASHA mentorship requirements while building real confidence in school-based systems—IEPs, collaboration with campus teams, service delivery, documentation, and family communication. Our goal is for CFs to feel supported, capable, and never alone as they transition from graduate clinician to independent school-based SLP.
What an SLP Does in a School Setting
School based speech language pathology is about helping students access education through communication. Services and goals connect to classroom participation, learning, and functional communication at school.
Here are some common areas a Jump Ahead SLP might support:
Speech Sound Production and Intelligibility
- Articulation errors and sound substitutions
- Phonological patterns
- Overall speech clarity for classroom participation
Receptive and Expressive Language
- Understanding and using vocabulary
- Following directions and understanding questions
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Narrative skills like retells and summarizing
- Building language needed for curriculum demands
Social Communication
- Conversation skills like turn taking and topic maintenance
- Perspective taking and interpreting social cues
- Self advocacy and repair strategies
Collaboration With School Teams
A big part of the role is teamwork. School SLPs regularly collaborate with:
- General education and special education teachers
- School psychologists, counselors, OT, PT, and administrators
- Families and caregivers
IEP Support and Documentation
School based SLPs also support the special education process by:
- Writing measurable goals connected to educational impact
- Monitoring progress and reporting on growth
- Participating in IEP meetings and team planning
Access to Continuing Education
We believe continuing education should be practical and relevant to the students you serve. Jump Ahead Pediatrics SLPs have access to unlimited continuing education opportunities that support growth across the areas school clinicians use every day, including language, AAC, social communication, literacy related skills, and effective school collaboration.
Why ASHA Reminded Us How Much This Matters
Meeting so many clinicians at ASHA reinforced what we already believe. SLPs want to do meaningful work with students and they want support, consistency, and a team that respects their expertise.
We are proud of the work our SLPs do in schools every day, and we are always happy to connect with clinicians who want to learn more about Jump Ahead Pediatrics.
If you met us at ASHA, thank you again for stopping by. If you are curious about openings or future placements, we would love to talk!
Anna Pacheco
Jump Ahead Pediatrics