Whether this is your child’s first Speech Language Evaluation, a follow-up treatment session, or a screening, there are a few things that every parent or caregiver should remember in order to get the MOST out of their child’s Speech Teletherapy sessions!

close up of a person's hand holding a small white alarm clock, representing the time spent getting ready for a speech teletherapy appointment for online speech therapy, to adequately prepare and log on to the virtual speech therapy platform

1. Start getting ready 10 to 15 minutes before the session

Allow for at least 10-15 minutes before the start time of your child’s session to start getting ready, and help your child transition from whatever they were doing before the session. This step is especially important if your child has difficulty transitioning to new tasks or a new environment. After setting up a place to sit in a quiet, comfortable place a few minutes before starting, you may want to let your child get ready by setting up a timer until your session starts.

a laptop sitting on wooden desk in front of plants, with a white cup of coffee next to it, representing the proper set up for a virtual speech therapy session, using an online speech therapy platform while the client is sitting comfortably at home

2. Get comfy, but not too comfy

Set up a comfortable environment for both you and your child to engage for the allotted time frame. If they are under the age of 5, giving them a favorite toy or stuffed animal to hold before their session can be comforting. This being said, you don’t want to be too comfortable - for example, a bed or couch may cause your child to want to lay down and disengage. Try to find an area where they can be calm, but also remain focused on a task. You may find it to be a good time for a snack - although you want them to be done before starting their session, otherwise you can always save it for break time!

image of a window looking out to green leaves on a tree, inside a dimly lit room, representing the tip of avoiding window seats for online speech therapy sessions, when children are getting ready with their parents for their speech teletherapy appt

3. Avoid window seats

If you can avoid using seats placed in front of windows, this will help to optimize visibility, which is very important during your session! Sunlight in the background can cause a reduction in you or your child’s facial visibility on-screen and cause a shadow-like appearance. We want to make sure that your child is being seen as clear on-screen as they would in-person. This is especially important when working on speech sounds, nonverbal social language, or parent coaching.

a person sitting in front of their computer logging into their zoom platform for a speech therapy session for their child, symbolizing the importance of learning the virtual platform, mic, and audio adjust process ahead of time for proper preparation

4. Learn your device and platform

Have a basic understanding of the devices that you’re using - this may include: a webcam, smart phone, laptop, computer, headset, and/or microphone. In case of malfunctions or emergencies, it’s important to know: how to turn the volume up or down, how to turn the device on/off, and how to charge the device if applicable.

Also, know how the platform that you’re using works - whether you’re using the Zoom, Google Meets, or other platform for audio-visual service. It’s important to know: how to enter/leave the video session, how to allow for access to your microphone and video access, how to mute/unmute yourself, how to turn your video on/off, and how to allow or accept access to share screens, if applicable.

Internet connectivity will fall into play here as well, and if you’re having issues with slow load time, or problems connecting, you may want to check your internet speed to be sure it is enough for virtual meetings. You can use websites such as speedtest.net or speedcheck.org. Since screen sharing and videos are a possibility during your session, you will want a download speed of: at least 600 kbps (0.6 mbps).

close up of a person's hand holding a remote control pointed at a television screen, representing the helpful tip to avoid distractions including background noise from televisions or other devices, to get set up for a child's online speech therapy

5. Limit distractions

Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible before entering your child’s Speech Teletherapy session. Things that are very obvious distractors to outsiders, may not be so obvious to parents living within the home! Common distractors can include: siblings entering the room, pets in the room, other family members nearby who are not participating in the session, lights in background, noise-making devices such as television, toys, or iPads not being utilized in the session.

father and baby reading a book together while the father holds her, symbolizing the importance of parents being present and tuned in to their child's speech teletherapy appointment for proper online speech therapy services to be delivered

6. Be present for your child

Be available and prepared to accompany your child throughout the ENTIRE visit which can range from 30-120 minutes depending on the discussed timeline provided by your SLP. You should know ahead of time how long the session will go, giving you the opportunity to adjust your schedule accordingly. As they say, “Showing up is half the battle!” It is always a good idea to also bring a notepad, or be prepared to take notes on a device. This can help you to remember the specific carry-over activities your Speech Therapist may give you for home practice!

close up of a person's hands typing on a laptop computer to log onto a speech teletherapy appointment for their child, showing the importance of preparing by learning the log on process ahead of time, so that the child can be fully engaged

7. Know how to log-in

The logging-in process for Speech Teletherapy can differ across therapists and companies, however there are a few steps which are generally universal across all settings!

Logging in to your session should be fairly simple, as you will have discussed this with your child’s SLP ahead of time, and most likely have received an email or text reminder for the session. using the discussed platform (Zoom or Google Meets, for example). If you received an e-mail or text with a link to the visit, you will want to click on that link a few minutes prior to your session starting, to be sure that you have a connection. Otherwise, you may have received an email or text walking you through specific steps of entering the session - try to read through these carefully and follow the steps exactly as they are given.

You may be given a secure code in the email to enter the session, which you can copy and paste into the given field after clicking on the link or opening the platform. After clicking on the link or opening the platform, you may receive a message asking for permission for the platform to have access to you mic and camera. You will want to click “allow” in order for the session to work on that platform. After this step, you can practice muting/unmuting yourself, turning the video screen on/off, and adjusting volume controls. You can view yourself or your child on the screen to be sure that the camera has a good face-level view and visibility. If there are any unnecessary lights in the background or distractions in the room, now is a great time to eliminate these. Then you’'ll sit back, and wait for your clinician to enter the session!

For children under the age of 4:

close up image of a cute teddy bear wearing a scarf, representing the important tip of preparing for a child's online speech therapy appointment by having a few of their favorite items nearby such as a teddy bear, ball, blocks, or action figure

8. Have a few favorite items nearby

Have a few items handy that your child will enjoy playing with during the session, especially if this is your child’s first evaluation. You know your child better than anyone, so you probably already have toys that they will love to play with while meeting with their clinician. Some great ideas for items can include: bubbles, dolls/actions figures, a favorite book, stuffed animal, blocks or legos, or a personal favorite toy or unique item they enjoy. Try to avoid electronics (loud noise-making toys, beeping, or light-up toys). Be prepared for your clinician to ask you to take some items away, or direct you in your child’s play with these items.

Please note: This step may not be necessary if your child has been attending Speech Teletherapy for a while, and already has great attention and engagement during on-screen activities without use of many external items!

a child seated at a table while sitting comfortably in a chair, showing the importance of having the child in a comfortably seated position for their online speech therapy session, seated on the floor or at a small table so that they can interact

9. Have your child seated on the floor or at a small table

For younger children under 4 years, it is great to use the floor or a high-chair as a stable seating area, rather than a dining room table, for example. Of course this will be dependent on your child and their existing routines. Sitting on the floor allows for more opportunity to play and be comfortable within a welcoming environment with familiar activities. High-chairs are also great because your child most likely uses them routinely for meal times, and already feels very comfortable while sitting in them. High-chairs also allow for a more controlled and stable environment without the chance of escape.

Please be aware, sitting on the floor will allow for easier escape opportunities, which brings us to our next important tip!

a young toddler stepping out of a sandbox by lifting her leg over the edge and pulling herself up, symbolizing the importance of parents to anticipate their child's escape route or distractions during their online speech therapy sessions with an SLP

10. Anticipate your child’s escape route

As we all know, toddlers and pre-school aged children are active, love to play, and need space to do so! If your session is more than 30 minutes long, your clinician may give your child opportunities to get energy out during break times, but there are a few things you (as a caregiver) can do to avoid any breakdowns in the session’s flow by anticipating for unexpected breaks:

Try to anticipate where and how your child may attempt to get up and move away from the camera during their Speech Teletherapy session, whether it’s to grab a toy from another room, or simply run around and play away from the screen. This is especially likely if you’re sitting on an open floor area.
Use a space that will encourage your child to stay seated and not be tempted to move out of the camera view during the session by using:
- a corner of the room with a partition blocking the rest of the room from their view
- a high-chair they are used to
- a small table with a chair for your child that is blocked off either by your chair or a wall
Use a smaller, quieter area than the rest of the house. You may want to avoid the typical “play” area which hold all of your child's toys, or a large living room, as these areas are typically full of many distractions and opportunities for your child to walk away from the screen.