Speech-Language Pathologist FAQs: School-Based SLP Careers

By Ravi Mehta
January 14, 2026 • 15 min
Speech-Language Pathologist
School-based SLP leading a speech therapy lesson, holding an “Ee” card while elementary students practice sounds in a classroom

Highlights

  • Setting comparison: Clarifies how school-based SLP roles differ from clinical settings, focusing on educational goals, collaboration with school teams and school calendar-based schedules.
  • so sorry, let's update this one a tad Requirements and hiring timeline: Summarizes key prerequisites like state licensure, certifications and credentials — and outlines typical hiring seasons and onboarding expectations.
  • Candidate benefits: Covers the benefits SLPs receive when working school assignments through Aya, including insurance options, unlimited CEUs and the option for continued insurance coverage over summer.

Whether you’re a new grad speech-language pathologist or an experienced clinician exploring school-based roles, planning your next career move can bring up a lot of questions. From choosing the right setting to understanding licensure requirements and reviewing job offers, having clear, straightforward answers can make all the difference.

With Aya Education, you have the flexibility to work with a local school district close to home or take a travel assignment and experience new places while making a meaningful impact. No matter which path you choose, your work helps support students when and where they need it most.

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions SLPs ask when considering school-based positions.

What’s the difference between clinical and school settings for a CFY?

Choosing between a clinical vs. school setting for your Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) is one of the first big career decisions new grad SLPs face.

In a clinical setting, SLPs often:

  • Work with a wide range of ages and diagnoses
  • Provide therapy focused on medical or developmental goals
  • See patients individually throughout the day

In a school setting, SLPs typically:

  • Support students in reaching educational and IEP-based goals
  • Collaborate closely with teachers, special education teams and families
  • Follow a school calendar with built-in breaks

The right career choice depends on your unique interests and long-term goals. If you’re interested in clinical jobs, you can search speech-language pathologist jobs from Aya Healthcare.

What are the requirements to work as a school-based SLP?

While requirements vary by state, most school-based SLP roles require:

  • A master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology
  • State SLP licensure
  • ASHA certification (CCC-SLP) or eligibility
  • School-specific credentials, which may include:
    • Department of Education certification
    • Fingerprinting and background checks

Some states allow clinicians to work under a temporary or provisional license, especially during a CFY. Your recruiter will discuss the requirements for any job you’re interested in, so we can make sure you’re compliant and ready to hit the ground running.

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What should I expect from my recruiter as a school-based SLP?

A recruiter’s role goes far beyond sending job listings. When you work with Aya Education, your recruiter acts as a career partner and advocate throughout your career.

You can expect support with:

  • Identifying school-based SLP jobs that match your preferences
  • Understanding licensure and credentialing requirements
  • Interview preparation and offer review
  • Ongoing career support.

In addition to your recruiter, you’ll have a dedicated experience specialist and access to coaching from seasoned school-based professionals should anything come up while you’re on assignment. For professional development, Aya Education offers unlimited CEUs through MedBridge for SLPs on assignment with us.

What does onboarding look like for school-based SLPs?

Most SLP onboarding processes include:

  • Completing employment and compliance paperwork
  • Credentialing and district approvals
  • Orientation to school systems, documentation and caseload expectations
  • Introductions to your school team and supervisors

Aya Education supports you through every step so you can start your assignment feeling confident and prepared.

How do I review and evaluate school-based SLP job offers?

Once you receive an offer, you’ll typically have 24-28 hours to decide if you’d like to accept. It’s important to review to make sure that your preferences, including benefits and other details discussed with your recruiter, are reflected in the offer. Once you officially accept, a team will be assigned to you to help with the onboarding.

Taking time to review the full picture ensures the role aligns with your professional and personal priorities.

How can I find the perfect SLP job?

Finding the right SLP job isn’t just about availability — it’s about fit. The perfect role aligns with your:

  • Career goals
  • Preferred setting (school, clinic, hybrid)
  • Desired location and schedule
  • Level of support and mentorship

Working with a recruiter who understands your priorities can help you find opportunities that truly match what you’re looking for.

Our team can help you find meaningful opportunities while providing the guidance and support needed to build a fulfilling career.

Search our school-based speech-language pathology jobs today.

How quickly can I expect to be placed in a role, and what's the typical timeline?

Timelines vary by location and time of year, but generally:

  • Peak hiring is in spring and summer for fall starts
  • Mid-year roles can move quickly; sometimes 1–3 weeks.
  • From interview to offer, it often days to a week.

Credentialing/onboarding usually takes 2–4 weeks from offer acceptance.

Are there opportunities for contract-to-hire or converting to permanent positions?

While it’s not guaranteed, if the district has an open position when your assignment ends, it may be possible to transition into a permanent position if it’s a good fit for everyone.

What benefits are included when you work an assignment with Aya Education?

Aya Education offers incredible benefits, including:

  • Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance, with the option for continued insurance coverage over the summer.
  • 401(k) with company match, once eligible.
  • Accrued sick time.
  • Employee assistance programs.
  • Unlimited CEUs through MedBridge.

Can I keep my benefits between assignments?

A benefit of working assignments is the ability to take breaks, and we’re proud to offer benefit continuation up to 24 days in between assignments. You can talk to your recruiter about securing your next assignment, so you’re all set before your current one ends.

What questions should I ask during the interview process to ensure a position is right for me?

It’s important to ask questions that align with your priorities and what you’re looking for in a role. You want to make sure the district is a good fit! Your recruiter can help you prepare and prioritize questions before interviews.

Some questions you may want to ask include:

  • What is the caseload size and age range?
  • Is the role single-site or multi-site?
  • What support staff or supervision is available?
  • How are IEPs, evaluations and documentation handled?
  • What does a typical day/week look like?
  • Are materials, therapy space and tech provided?

Why should I choose Aya Education?

When you work with Aya Education, we don’t just place you in a job — we intentionally find assignments where your skills can create a real, lasting impact on students. We build a real relationship with you and, as your career evolves, we adjust our support along the way.

What support can I expect from Aya Education during the school year, not just during hiring?

When you work with us, support doesn’t stop after placement. You can expect:

  • Ongoing check-ins from your recruiter
  • An experience team available 24/7 if something unexpected comes up
  • Help resolving school-site concerns, including coaching from seasoned educators
  • Guidance with extensions or transitions
  • Support with compliance, payroll and benefits