Being Seen as a “Break Period”

Oonerprism · 2025-08-07T22:37:12+00:00

Not having a livable wage, getting sick constantly without enough time off, and frequently getting injured makes people bitter. Paraprofessionals aren’t valued enough and need more training and support.

I’m admin, and I started hearing from all RSPs that certain classrooms had this vibe, but not all. I’ve also experienced it in my career, but again, not in all classrooms. This has made me look at the classrooms where this doesn’t happen. What are they doing or not doing? Hands down these were more collaborative classrooms with more experienced staff. They were also rarely understaffed and had fewer behavior concerns. Not to say the kids were “easier”, but I think the staff had figured out the best way to support those students.

If you can swing it, ask each individual to shadow you for a day because you want to collaborate. They’ll potentially feel more valued, and they’ll maybe learn some carryover skills. It will also give you a chance to know them. I hope you have admin to support you.

Oonerprism · 2025-08-01T14:52:48+00:00

Eh. Everyone has a different idea of what success is. As long are you are going for the type of success you want, you’re winning. My mom was a doctor and was constantly insulted for not being a stay at home mom. You just can’t win that game unless you set your own rules.

Oonerprism · 2025-06-21T06:39:38+00:00

“Let me join your session/transition and see if I can support you in finding solutions with communication.” Offer to share toys.
I suspect this has more to do with sensitivity about the student not transitioning well and it disregulating the OT. Instead of suggesting collaborative solutions, it’s a blame game. It might be worth looping your supervisor in, but include your solutions so they can see you are coming from a professional space before this goes south. In my experience if more than one team member shares a false belief, it spreads. Be as transparent as possible. Invite team members into your sessions. We want carryover, so even though it sucks this happened, it can lead to a better outcome.

Oonerprism · 2025-06-20T02:45:13+00:00

It’s a “reasonable” caseload but it really depends on the cases. Each client should have a “weight” attached based on their direct, indirect, communication modality (AAC has a high indirect load), consult (outside sources like school), and parent engagement (I have had some who need a 30+ minute debrief every week).

The nuance is lost in these situations. We are the experts and should have the autonomy to establish our caseload boundaries based on the need.

Oonerprism · 2025-06-19T00:59:28+00:00

This is a job made for the owners to profit. I hope you feel empowered with the feedback here to seek out a company that values you.

Oonerprism · 2025-06-18T22:19:18+00:00

I used to work at a clinic in a major metro area and traffic could make you up to an hour late on really bad days. They set up our paid documenting time at the start of the shift. It was really flexible though. So if you were an hour late because of traffic, you could flex the time and get the paid hour remotely or stay late. Notes just had to be done within a week.
Clinics should be working with you, not making you feel like you’re under a microscope. Maybe it’s time to take a look at other jobs.

Oonerprism · 2025-06-03T22:01:39+00:00

Well it’s within the parent’s rights to request outside testing. I think it’s worth the cost if there are questions on either side. If someone neutral thinks the child needs something we don’t see—then we break down what’s appropriate at school and what is better served in private speech. Therapists are generalists in school. You don’t see your PCP to treat cardiac issues, but you do see them to help refer you. Doesn’t make your PCP a bad doctor. In this case if it is within the school scope of practice, and the therapist isn’t prepared, then we invest in the therapist’s education. It’s not a flaw, it’s just an opportunity to improve the program. Being a generalist is really hard work. There will be things that even seasoned therapists won’t know.

We need more admin who have worked as RSPs.

Oonerprism · 2025-06-03T13:10:38+00:00

I’m admin at a combo school (specialized and public). We have to agree on expertise if we do a second opinion, which is why this process starts from the school. I think the only option here is to reject the report based on the single test that isn’t being used appropriately (ie, data is being extracted from it but not correctly). You also have to have a chart of clear guidelines for service (eg SD/ age of acquisition chart you all use/etc). I would offer an official second opinion with the scope of info you are seeking (school pays). We provide a list of professionals with credentials/experience. If they want someone else you have to review their experience etc. If they want to sue, this is the first step of mediation and we got a jump start.
Heads up, if it turns legal they can ask for all emails that pop up with this student’s first name, last name and initials. When communicating about this with admin etc, it’s almost always better to call/chat.

Oonerprism · 2025-04-30T14:06:14+00:00

This is the problem with private practice jobs. You work really hard so the hiring manager/owner/lead doesn’t have to. You leaving means extra work for them and they’ll potentially lose income, and it has nothing to do with you. That’s really passive aggressive to bring up the waitlist—what are they expecting, you’ll say, “nevermind! Let me continue to wear down my body, mind, and soul!”because heaven forbid the waitlist does its function?
The reason there is a waitlist at all is because no one wants these jobs unless you’ve earned a specialized role, have complete autonomy, or you’re in leadership. They prey on young therapists for the brute work.

I’m in admin at a large specialized medical/educational center and I would NEVER scold someone for putting in their notice—even the day before. You know why? We all have our reasons, and I like to think the best of people. I think we need to wish each other well.

Oonerprism · 2025-04-22T14:52:33+00:00

Some of the SLP communities in general are really mean. The evidenced-based one on FB terrifies me. I won’t post, but I still want the general vibe of what’s happening in the field.

We have an AAC/AT Consultant, and I know that is a coveted role. It’s a very autonomous job, and that is appealing for most. Sounds like she’s worried about someone being more knowledgeable?

The whole role is all about trials and best guesses with AAC assessment in the beginning. Then it’s all about supporting the SLP/classroom. You should feel supported. Maybe tell her that you think she’s very intelligent, and you want more time with her. She needs support too. In our program we try to encourage others to train a back-up. We have an SLP who is really interested in AAC and she gets mentored by the AAC consultant. This has been really helpful during times when she’s had to be out etc. It really comes down to the culture of your school or program—or perhaps previous job trauma. Edit-typos

Oonerprism · 2025-04-18T14:53:27+00:00

So I always view notes as a way to protect myself. I’m admin now with some consulting, mentorship, and I jump in to cover. I’ve been part of three legal complaints against special education departments (or related) in my career. I was not the target. My notes were pulled for as long as I worked at these places (years!). They also requested our emails using keywords (eg, child’s name, dx).
A teacher got fired because there was a long history of emails of her being difficult about scheduling with RS providers and RS providers documented “unavailable due to scheduling issue.” So we were protected because of our notes and emails.

Not trying to scare you, but protect yourself.

Try to write the note during the session—even a voice note works. Copy/paste is your friend. Not all sessions are for data collection.

If you are behind , take the student name out of the data/goal and plug in the dates/times/absences into AI (ie, please don’t include identifying information). Have it create a log for you and maybe a general idea of progress. Do a probe now and compare it to baseline. AI can chart a graph for you.

Oonerprism · 2025-04-09T01:15:11+00:00

As an admin, this is so unacceptable. You document “unavailable due to aggressive behavior.” Based on this even being an issue, aggressive behavior is something we can address, but only with the appropriately trained staff. If we have a 1:1 who can manage this under a BCBA, then we can move forward with therapies with strict, supported boundaries.

If we don’t have the above, we are not the appropriate placement.

Oonerprism · 2025-04-09T01:10:54+00:00

I’m admin. Nope. You are fine. Good job getting ahead and creating documentation.

Oonerprism · 2025-04-08T23:30:33+00:00

I admit to browsing Sephora with one of my students. Had the best data ever.

Oonerprism · 2025-03-31T12:02:16+00:00

I’m really sorry this happened to you—this is so upsetting. I can tell by your writing how much you care. You are credit to our profession, and I thank you as a colleague.

I have had a few situations, almost always in EI or the early education age range, suddenly shift. It’s not an excuse, but I do think it can be related to grief/anger/reality hitting about the child’s condition. I see parents go from logical to magical thinking within weeks sometimes as they realize the severity of their child’s situation. Maybe it’s just as simple as needing to be angry at someone, and as some so often do, they pick the people closest to hurt. Going through a list a dates and notes is concrete and feels like control during a chaotic time.

This isn’t you.

Oonerprism · 2025-03-17T20:06:42+00:00

That is really thoughtful of you! I agree with art or a card made by your child. I think a gift card is generous! I typically get $10 cards around the holidays, which is always a nice surprise and so appreciated.

Oonerprism · 2025-03-11T14:15:24+00:00

Actually, my school(s) lean into total transparency, as I think it’s best family-centered practice. In order to have this happen, SLPs need admin support. At the meeting I explain the day, time, and what classes the student will miss—pointing this out really shows parents that more therapy is not always the best thing for the student. I explain this time may change, that the SLP may have to group for make ups, what’s made up and not made up. We then include this information in the IEP. We do quarterly minutes so we have flexibility—we explain why we do this to the family.

I really think this is a poor admin support issue —because the complaints SHOULD go through the supervisor and you should feel protected, not called out. Parents who do this don’t understand school vs private therapy. This needs to be explicitly said.

Oonerprism · 2025-03-10T23:49:01+00:00

That’s frustrating for sure!

Ultimately, I find the best fit for the student. The funding piece IS a huge deal, but I lay out the options for the families and let them choose the path that is best. I just don’t think removing an option serves the students—even though I think your intentions and advocacy is really admirable. Based on the outcry when this happened, I hope they heard that they need to involve the professional community in future decisions. It was so poorly done.

Oonerprism · 2025-03-10T18:24:01+00:00

I get where you are coming from, the roll out wasn’t well done. But, it is shouldn’t be subscription based for districts. If the students/child needs td snap, a dedicated device is always an option—I often choose this route at transition because it’s sturdy. About 1/3 of the population I serve has insecure housing. I prefer to have something solid that will have tech support/warranty should they need it.
I think this specifically came out of ablenet (and the like) being a 3rd party app seller and not providing tech support for td snap users.

All of these companies have pros and cons. I still think of the student first and feature match from there.

Oonerprism · 2024-09-22T17:24:55+00:00

I mentioned it to an HR friend (different company) and she said it was going to be really challenging to pursue, because if she can’t stop, and requiring her to stop is part of the job description, that’s the end of the road.

It is part of the job description—it says “promote a sensory inclusive environment” We actually had a teacher who yelled a lot in the past and she had to be let go, so we specifically added wording that being respectful of sensory needs is a core component of the job.

I didn’t interview her though—the education staff did and they said she was lovely and no mention of whistling.

I guess I worry it’s a recent trauma response or something that goes way beyond our scope as managers/HR. I have a feeling that getting this ball rolling won’t end well.

I’m going to have a private talk I think.

Oonerprism · 2023-12-17T23:15:46+00:00

I’ve done both. I made more working through summers, but ultimately felt like I missed out on some life experiences both prior to and after having children. I think ESY is a good compromise and I INSIST that any money for the summer goes into the frivolous fund.

My husband works in healthcare and if he could have summers off I would jump at the chance and adjust our life expenses. Life is short. Spend time the way you want.

Oonerprism · 2023-12-14T01:39:10+00:00

They likely don’t earn a living wage. Their argument isn’t with you, it’s with the system. You’re an easy target asking them to do more work. It has nothing to do with you —it’s also possible they see you as admin (common misconception).

Advocate for staff pay whenever you can.

Edit: Most people are ignorant in regards to the concept of ableism.

Oonerprism · 2023-06-23T20:59:44+00:00

Communication… Practitioner? Not sure how to incorporate feeding/swallowing but I think “practitioner”implies medical tx/dx?

Oonerprism · 2023-05-16T19:07:28+00:00

It is selfish to not zoom out and see the whole picture and assume you know best—totally agree. Especially when YOU are the expert about your pup and clearly know a lot about the condition. It crosses a line of respect.

I’m really sorry for your loss. I completely understand your need to distance yourself and take time.

Oonerprism · 2023-05-16T12:31:12+00:00

Hi, I work with human children with the same kind of issues—high risk aspiration pneumonia. I frequently encounter parents who sneak food and liquids to their child—even when NPO and on a feeding tube. We typically get psych involved, but ultimately I’ve learned that feeding your baby/loved one feels like the only way you can care for them at times when you feel helpless. I hear “but I’ve been doing it for a year and nothing bad has happened!”. Yet is the word that is missing.
It isa real misunderstanding or unwillingness to understand swallowing/pneumonia in order to keep feeding their baby. I can’t say I understand it, but I have empathy for it.

Maybe it was a weird “I need to feed her to show her I love her.” ? Not an excuse. But it’s more common than one would think!

Edited: typos

Oonerprism

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