Speech and Language Screenings: A Guide for SLPs and Parents
Speech and language screenings in speech therapy are an essential tool for identifying children who may need further evaluation and support in their communication development. Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist (SLP) conducting screenings in schools or a parent wondering about your child’s speech and language skills, this guide will walk you through the process and highlight an easy-to-use, no-prep digital screening option for children in PreK through 5th grade.
Speech and language screenings are an essential tool for identifying children who may need further evaluation and support in their communication development. Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist (SLP) conducting screenings in schools or a parent wondering about your child’s speech and language skills, this guide will walk you through the process and highlight an easy-to-use, no-prep digital screening option for children in PreK through 5th grade.
What is a Speech and Language Screening?
A speech and language screening is a quick assessment of a child’s communication skills. It provides a brief overview of key areas, including:
Speech sounds – How a child pronounces sounds
Receptive language – How well a child understands language
Expressive language – Vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure
Fluency – The flow and smoothness of speech
Voice and resonance – The quality and pitch of the voice
Play skills and social interactions – Communication during interactions with others
Screenings are different from full evaluations. While a screening provides a snapshot of a child’s communication abilities, an evaluation is a comprehensive, in-depth assessment of specific areas of concern.
Why Are Speech and Language Screenings Important?
Screenings play a vital role in early intervention by helping to identify potential delays that could affect a child’s social and educational success. They are particularly beneficial in:
Preschools, daycares, and schools – Ensuring children receive support as early as possible
Early identification – Addressing concerns before they become bigger challenges
Monitoring communication development – Keeping track of skills over time
When used regularly, screenings help children receive timely intervention, leading to better outcomes for their speech and language development. My No-Prep Digital Articulation and Digital Language Screenings (Preschool and Kindergarten , First and Second Grade, Third and Fourth grade) make this process even easier by providing an efficient way to assess children from PreK to 5th grade.
Preparing for Speech and Language Screenings
Preparation is key to running an effective and organized screening. Here’s my step-by-step process:
Coordinate with Schools or Daycares
Discuss available dates and times with administrators, teachers, or preschool directors.
Provide permission forms for parents to sign (I recommend sending these out two weeks in advance).
Consider using a Google Form for parent permissions—this saves time by automatically populating a spreadsheet with student information.
Organize Your Screening Materials
Estimate about 10–20 minutes per child and schedule accordingly. Using my No-Prep Digital Articulation and Digital Language Screenings (Preschool and Kindergarten , First and Second Grade, Third and Fourth grade) I typically screen 4–6 children per hour.
Prepare a spreadsheet with student details, including teacher, last name, first name, date of birth (DOB), and age.
Ensure all permission forms are signed and collected before screening day.
Print out record forms for articulation and language screenings (I recommend waiting until the day of screening in case of absences).
Screening Day: Staying Organized and Efficient
On screening day, efficiency and organization are key. Here’s how I manage my process:
Bring a printed spreadsheet with the names of children requiring screening.
Have all speech and language screening forms ready (I use my digital articulation and language screening bundle for efficiency).
Document child details (name, DOB, teacher) at the start of each screening.
Check off names and dates in my spreadsheet to track progress.
Complete recommendations immediately after screening using a fill-in-the-blank form:
Pass – No concerns; provide general communication tips for parents and teachers.
Monitor & provide strategies – Share recommendations with parents and teachers to support communication skills.
Recommend full evaluation – If concerns arise, provide information on requesting a full speech and language evaluation through the school system.
Provide a copy of the screening results to parents to assist in the evaluation process if needed.
By following this structured approach, I ensure that my screenings are smooth, effective, and well-documented.
Make Screenings Easier with My No-Prep Digital Screening Bundle
Conducting speech and language screenings doesn’t have to be overwhelming! My Speech and Language Screening Bundle is designed for SLPs looking for an efficient, organized, and comprehensive tool to assess articulation and language skills in students from PreK to 5th grade. This resource is available now in my Teachers Pay Teachers store and is perfect for both in-person and digital use.