Teachers of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped

NYS Certified Teachers of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped usually work in schools providing indirect services and instruction to children with communication disorders such as impaired articulation, language impairment or voice disorders, therefore they may:

• Assist in the assessment and screening of children with or at risk of speech and language disorders
• Assist in the formulation of IFSP/IEP goals in accordance with the unique needs of the child with a communication disorder
• Implement the IFSP/IEP in developmentally appropriate ways and in natural environments to enhance the young child’s communication function
• Model and reinforce positive communication behaviors that improve children’s speech and language abilities
• Review and redefine IFSP/IEP goals and expected outcomes with other team members as appropriate
• Establish and maintain ongoing and positive communication with parents and other caregivers to encourage carry-over in other settings
• Assist children and families in transferring to preschool or elementary school
• If these professionals have the ability to speak a language other than English they may serve non-English speaking children and families with significant communication delays

Academic and Experience Requirement for Teachers of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education AND MS/MA in Special Education: Speech and Hearing Impaired AND NYS Initial or Professional Teaching Certificate - Students with Disabilities AND A Minimum of 2 Years Experience Serving Infants and Toddlers With, or at Risk of, Developmental Delay or Disability