My child qualified for speech services in school, do I need to get them private services too?
If your child just qualified for speech services through their school, congratulations! That means their needs were recognized, and support is being provided to help them succeed in the classroom. But many parents still wonder: “Should I also get my child private speech therapy?”
The answer isn’t always the same for every family. At NRC Therapy Services in Monmouth County, NJ, we help parents weigh the options so they can make the best decision for their child.
What School-Based Speech Therapy Provides
School-based services are designed to support a child’s educational access. That means:
Goals are directly tied to your child’s performance in school.
Services are provided during the school day.
Frequency and duration of therapy depend on school team recommendations and caseload availability.
School speech therapy is an incredible resource — but it does have limits.
When Private Speech Therapy May Help
Private speech therapy offers a different type of support. Families sometimes choose private therapy in addition to school services if:
They want more frequent sessions. School services may be once a week or in a group, while private therapy can provide extra one-on-one time.
They want to target skills outside of academics. For example, social communication, feeding/myofunctional therapy, or advanced literacy support.
They want family involvement. Private therapy often includes parent coaching and carryover strategies for home.
Their child needs support over the summer. School services usually pause during school breaks.
The Best of Both Worlds
It doesn’t have to be “either/or.” Many families choose to combine school and private therapy:
School services ensure your child can succeed in the classroom.
Private services fill in gaps, offer more intensity, and provide individualized goals.
Together, the two approaches can give your child the most well-rounded support.
Speech Therapy in Monmouth County, NJ
At NRC Therapy Services, we proudly serve families across Belmar, Wall, Manasquan, Spring Lake, and surrounding Monmouth County towns. Whether your child is already receiving school services or you’re just starting the process, we can help you decide if private therapy is the right next step.
Every child deserves to feel confident, understood, and supported — at school and at home.
👉 Contact NRC Therapy Services today to learn more about private speech, language, literacy, feeding, and executive function support in Monmouth County.