When a child struggles to communicate in the classroom, it can affect every part of their learning day. At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy in Mission Viejo, Jill Dews, M.A., CCC‑SLP, partners with families and schools to help students find their voice and thrive in academic settings. With over twenty years of experience as a Speech‑Language Pathologist, including time working in the Capistrano Unified School District, Jill understands the teamwork it takes to support children in school environments.
School speech therapy support, according to ASHA, gives students the tools they need to participate confidently in conversations, group lessons, and daily routines. Whether a child needs help with articulation, language, or social communication, collaborative therapy helps them learn in ways that feel natural and achievable.
How School Speech Therapy Works
Speech therapy in schools focuses on improving the communication skills students need to succeed in learning and social interaction. It can take place individually, in small groups, or even within classroom activities. Jill Dews helps parents understand the process and advocates for the right level of support for each child.
Common goals for school‑based speech therapy include:
- Improving pronunciation and clarity
- Building sentence structure and vocabulary
- Strengthening listening comprehension
- Enhancing social communication and classroom participation
Therapy plans align with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan when applicable. Jill often collaborates with school teams in Mission Viejo to ensure home and classroom strategies work together. This connection keeps goals consistent and helps children use new skills across all settings.
The Importance of Collaboration
Communication growth is strongest when everyone supports the same goals. Jill works closely with parents, teachers, and special education teams to build bridges between home and school. Each person plays a valuable role in helping a student grow in confidence.
Teachers provide insight into how a child communicates during lessons and peer interactions. Parents share what they notice at home, and the therapist ties these observations together into one clear plan. This teamwork helps every child feel understood, supported, and motivated.
Understanding IEP and School Support Options
Navigating special education services can feel overwhelming, but having the right information makes it easier. School‑based therapy is provided through an IEP when a communication challenge affects educational progress. Private or supplemental therapy can complement school services for extra practice or faster progress.
| Support Type | Where It Happens | Focus |
| School‑Based Speech Therapy | On campus | Addresses communication goals that impact learning and participation |
| Private Speech Therapy | Clinic or home | Builds additional skills, confidence, and carryover between environments |
| Collaboration Model | Both settings | Aligns strategies between school and home for consistent success |
Many Mission Viejo families choose a combination of school and private therapy so children get the best of both worlds: structured goals at school and flexible practice at home.
Helping Children Communicate with Confidence
Strong communication skills support academic success, friendships, and self‑esteem. For many children, progress begins with small wins—raising a hand to answer a question, joining a group project, or telling a short story to a classmate.
Jill’s sessions focus on building those moments of confidence. Using evidence‑based strategies, she helps children strengthen their ability to express ideas clearly, follow directions, and engage in social situations. Over time, communication becomes a source of pride instead of frustration.
Local community connections also support growth. Jill encourages families to practice communication in familiar Mission Viejo settings like local libraries, playgrounds, or after‑school programs. Each new experience helps children use their voices in everyday life.
How Parents Can Support School Speech Goals at Home
Parents are a crucial part of the speech therapy team. By reinforcing classroom goals at home, you help your child retain skills and build confidence faster.
Simple strategies that make a big difference
- Read with your child daily and talk about the story together
- Encourage complete sentences during conversations
- Repeat mispronounced words naturally instead of correcting harshly
- Play board games that promote turn‑taking and language use
- Ask open‑ended questions that invite longer answers
These simple habits fit naturally into your day—during breakfast, on the drive to school, or while walking around Lake Mission Viejo. They show children that communication is part of everyday life, not just something that happens in therapy.
The Benefits of Consistency and Connection
Children progress faster when everyone—parents, teachers, and therapists—follows the same plan. Jill helps families coordinate communication goals between home and school to avoid confusion and keep expectations clear.
Progress meetings, written summaries, and email updates keep everyone connected. When teachers and parents celebrate the same milestones, students feel supported from all sides. This teamwork builds consistency and boosts motivation.
Taking the Next Step
If your child struggles with speech, language, or communication at school, support is closer than you think. Jill Dews, M.A., CCC‑SLP, has more than twenty years of experience helping Mission Viejo students overcome communication challenges through compassionate, evidence‑based care.
At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy, Jill and her team design personalized programs that complement classroom learning. Parents gain practical strategies to support progress at home, and children receive the consistent encouragement they need to thrive.
Ready to help your child communicate confidently in school and beyond? Contact Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy in Mission Viejo to schedule an evaluation and start building lasting communication success.
Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy was recently voted “Best Speech Pathologist” in Ladera Ranch California, a fantastic accomplishment. Schedule your consultation today and see why parents love us!