Looking for an alternative to traditional school? Consider a charter school!

At North Star, we understand that each family has their own plan regarding their child’s education and therapy services. Children with speech-language disorders and other support needs may qualify for support including speech-language therapy in school. You can access these services through public school, but if you’re looking for an alternative, you might consider a charter school as a more flexible alternative.

Public schools

In a public school setting, speech-language therapy is focused on communication in relation to academic performance. Meaning, the speech and language goals are based on curriculum/standards that are expected for the student’s grade and age level.

Students receiving speech-language services in public schools are entitled to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), meaning the caregivers and service providers (e.g. speech-language pathologist, teacher, psychologist, etc.) come together for a meeting to create a plan with specific goals, accommodations that make learning more accessible, and modifications to curriculum if necessary. The IEP meeting happens once a year, unless more time is needed to create a plan that is satisfactory for the student’s needs. This is typically the only time that the public school speech-language pathologist (SLP) communicates with the student’s family. The SLP may provide some education regarding the student’s communication disorder/difficulties and strategies to use at home.

The treatment sessions at a public school are typically done in small groups or within the student’s classroom. This model is utilized to support the student’s communication efficiency during educational situations, as well as to assist in creating connections with peers. SLPs in a public school setting have the opportunity to collaborate with the student’s teachers, which helps to generalize their skills into the classroom (e.g. taking skills learned in therapy and using them in different settings).

North Star Services

At a private practice or outpatient clinic, speech-language therapy is focused on supporting functional communication skills during activities of daily living (e.g. playtime, mealtimes, dressing, hygiene routines, community outings, etc.). The therapy model in a clinic setting typically involves individual sessions, where activities are personalized to the client’s interests and needs. Those with complex communication needs often benefit from individualized therapy sessions to make sufficient progress. This model of therapy goes beyond academics by aiming to improve quality of life for the individual and their family.

In a clinic setting, SLPs have the ability to actively collaborate with the client’s family, in addition to other service providers (e.g. occupational therapists, physical therapists, etc.), which supports the quality of care and promotes generalization of communication skills into their daily lives. When a child receives services in public school, the parents typically only communicate with the therapist once a year at the child’s IEP meeting. This differs greatly from the model at outpatient clinics, like North Star. North Star provides caregiver coaching during each appointment, which allows the caregivers to consistently learn new strategies to support their child. It is essential to recognize that caregivers are with the client most often, so they have the power to make the greatest impact on the individual's communication skills. The idea behind caregiver coaching is that the client will not only receive support during their weekly therapy session, but also throughout their week with their family!

Many of North Star’s clients receive funding through the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC), however, these free services will end on the child’s 3rd birthday. The secret is… you can continue speech-language therapy with North Star by going through a charter school!

What is a charter school?

A charter school is an independent public school. Charter schools have more freedom in regards to exactly how learning happens in the classroom. Charter schools have the ability to create supportive classroom environments and use different methods that meet the unique needs of their students! Children who attend charter schools have more room for self-determination in terms of curriculum, schedules, methods of teaching, finances, etc. As a caregiver, you will have a choice regarding your child’s education. The increased flexibility that Charter schools provide for families can be very helpful and comforting, especially for those who may need additional support with communication skills!

Good news, charter schools are free, just like public schools, since they are also funded by taxes. They are open to anyone, as there are no prerequisites or tests to gain admission. However, charter schools frequently run under a lottery system (where students are chosen at random), since there is a cap on the amount of students who can be enrolled. Charter schools don’t have to follow many of the state laws and regulations that other public schools abide by, but they are still held to state academic and financial standards outlined in their “charters.” A charter is a written document explaining the rules that the charter school has to follow. Charter schools are separate from school districts, as they are under a “performance contract.” This means that an authorizer (e.g. the state or another approved government/nonprofit organization) will hold the charter school accountable for student success.

Why would I choose a charter school over a typical public or private school?

You know your child best, so you should have more of a say in how your child is educated and supported. At a charter school, you'll have the opportunity to give your child an educational experience that is motivating, tailored to their learning style, and promotes your family values! By enrolling your child in a charter school, you can request North Star to be the provider for your child's speech-language services through their IEP.

How can my child get speech-language services through a charter school?

Many charter schools offer a hybrid homeschool/in-school option, or homeschool only with guidance and curriculum from the school. Through the charter school, you can request speech-language therapy services with North Star as the provider for your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Since charter schools receive state school funding, these services are at no cost to the family!

Below are links that will help you find a charter school in your area to start this process. Most charter schools offer tours for prospective families. Contact the school to get more information and set up a tour!

List of all charter schools in CA: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/cs/ap1/countyresults.aspx?id=37

San Diego Cooperative Charter School
https://lv.sdccs.org/

Classical Academy Charter:
https://www.cde.ca.gov/SchoolDirectory/details?cdscode=37680986116776

Community Montessori Charter:
https://www.cmcharter.org/

Cabrillo Point Academy: https://www.cde.ca.gov/SchoolDirectory/details?cdscode=37680490132506

California Virtual Academy @ San Diego: https://www.cde.ca.gov/SchoolDirectory/details?cdscode=37684036120893

Willow Tree Homeschool (works with Charter Schools): https://friendsofwillowtree.org/homeschool