Speech-Language Pathologist, Universal Pre-K Initiative

Reports To : Assistant Director for Related Services / Program Director of UPK

Job Description

BPS Early Childhood Department and Universal Pre-K Overview :

The Department of Early Childhood (DEC) currently oversees over 800 classrooms in K1 through grade 2, and has received national recognition for its K1 program as well as its in-house, research-driven K2 through 2nd-grade curriculum and professional development (PD) supports.

Currently, DEC is the recipient of over $7 million in grants from federal, state, and private sources. In addition, DEC is the lead education agency for Boston Universal Pre-K and partners with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across the City.

The goal of Boston Universal Pre-K is to ensure every four-year-old in Boston has access to high-quality early education experiences that lay the foundation for their future learning and educational success.

The City of Boston is committed to providing high-quality, inclusive, culturally responsive early education to all children whether their families choose to send them to classrooms in Boston Public Schools or community-based organizations.

Approximately 1500 UPK-eligible four-year-old children will be served through this mixed delivery system governed under the Mayor’s Office and Boston Public Schools.

Position Overview :

Speech and Language Pathologists provide services to students with communication disabilities which will allow them to access the BPS curriculum and to participate in both school and community life to the greatest extent possible.

The Speech and Language Pathologist will travel and work in Boston Universal Pre-K community sites. There are between 28-35 organizations and sites spread across the Boston neighborhoods.

Services may be provided remotely if access to community sites is limited.

This is an exciting opportunity for speech-language pathologists who desire to serve where their efforts matter. In BPS / UPK, the staff and leaders are committed to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

BPS / UPK is a great place for those who seek to work in an environment that supports their creativity and innovation and respects their skills and abilities as a speech-language pathologist.

Responsibilities :

• Evaluation :
• Speech-Language Pathologists will assess students referred for evaluation using appropriate testing instruments.
• Speech-Language Pathologists will write reports that reflect the results of standardized tests and observations that contain information helpful and understandable to all involved parties and that contain clear recommendations.
• Evaluations will be performed within timelines established in the state and federal regulations.
• Speech and Language Therapy Services :
• Therapy and consultation services will be provided to students based on the individual needs of each student and in compliance with each child’s IEP or 504 Plan.
• Speech-Language Pathologists will provide services in accordance with the IEP or 504 Plan.
• Speech-Language Pathologists will participate in pre-referral, Team Meetings, Student Support Team activities and will provide professional development to school-based staff as requested.
• Speech-Language Pathologists will consult with other Related Services and community-based providers and parents in order to provide effective services in a variety of settings.
• General Responsibilities :
• Speech-Language Pathologists are to comply with state regulations concerning renewal of certifications and licenses.
• Speech-Language Pathologists are expected to develop, update and adhere to both a daily and weekly schedule. The UPK Community-Based Administrator should be provided with a copy of that schedule.
• Speech-Language Pathologists are expected to comply with BPS / UPK rules, policies, and procedures as well as those of their assigned UPK site and Office of Special Education-Related Services.
• Speech-Language Pathologists are expected to maintain records of prior planning of lessons and to keep therapy notes for each child and therapy session and to maintain accurate records of student attendance

Qualifications - Required :

• Massachusetts Teachers Certification in Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders and
• Massachusetts License in Speech-Language Pathology
• Education : Hold a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Meet all state and federal guidelines in order to be fully licensed
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

Qualifications - Preferred :

Experience working in public school settings with urban youth and early childhood settings.

Terms : BTU, Group I

Please refer to ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade / Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

To learn more about ELT at BPS and whether or not this school is a "Schedule A" ELT school, check here : 6571. To see the bell schedule for every BPS school, go to : 7017.

Please note, these times may be subject to change prior to the start of the SY20-21 school year.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex / gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.