School vs. Private Speech Therapy: What Families Need to Know

As a speech therapist who has worked in both the public school system and now in private practice, I’ve seen firsthand how the two models differ. When families understand why and how the systems differ, they can make informed decisions that best meet their child's needs.  

It's understandable that families feel confused because the two systems feel like different languages! It’s confusing when your child:

• Qualifies for private speech therapy, but doesn’t meet the school’s criteria.

• Receives fewer speech therapy session at school than they do privately.

• Is seen in a group for speech therapy at school, but one-on-one privately.

• Is moved to a consultative model for speech therapy at school even thought they still have a disability.

Let's look into the main differences between school-based speech therapy services and private speech therapy.

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School-Based Speech Therapy: Support Inside the Educational System

When your child receives speech therapy services through their school, it’s under a federal law called IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). The purpose of school-based therapy is specific----to help your child access their education. The lens there is: How does your child's communication challenge affect their ability to learn, participate, and connect with peers?

Here are some things to know:

• Eligibility:  A team (including you!) reviews evaluations, classroom performance, and participation to determine if your child qualifies. Your child's speech disorder must impact learning and require specialized support from a speech therapist. Mild issues or supports that a special education teacher can provide may not qualify, but private therapy can still be beneficial.

• How it works:  Therapy happens during the school day—often in small groups, sometimes in the classroom (push-in) or in a therapy room (push out). The length and frequency are set by what the school can allocate.

• Cost:  For qualifying students (typically ages 3 to 21), school-based services are free.

• Strengths:  Therapy is embedded in your child’s educational environment, which allows for collaboration with teachers, targeting goals relevant to academics and classroom life.

• Challenges:  Caseloads mare often large, and services often focus only on what directly impacts school performance—not necessarily broader communication or life goals. Additionally, families tend to feel less involved in their child's speech therapy when provided in the school setting.

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Private Speech Therapy: Tailored for Your Child’s Whole World

Private speech therapy is built around your child’s whole life—not just their school life. Here, we ask: How can we support your child’s communication in home, play, social settings, and beyond?

This is what private therapy often offers:

• No “qualifying” barrier:  If an evaluation shows a need, we can move forward—there’s no requirement for “educational impact.”

• Individualized care:  Sessions are generally 1:1 (though small-group options exist), customized to your child’s strengths, interests, and family goals.

• Flexibility:  You choose a schedule, setting, and pace that works best for your family.

• Broader goals:  Private therapy can address life skills, social communication, narrative language, pragmatic skills, etc., not just what shows up in the classroom.

• Investment:  Services are paid through insurance, Medicaid, or out-of-pocket.

• Possibility for collaboration:  Families usually feel more involved in their child's speech therapy journey because communication and partnership occur more easily.

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What I Want You to Know

• It’s okay to feel unsure. You’re not alone.

• Qualification—or the lack thereof—in one system doesn’t mean your child doesn’t have valid needs.

• You have a voice. Use it to ask questions, seek clarity, and advocate.

• Whether your child is served by school, private practice, or both, their communication matters—and you don’t have to go it alone.

At Radiant Moments, we partner with families from start to finish—helping you feel empowered, informed, and hopeful. Your child’s voice is a gift, and we are here to help it shine in every setting!