When we were faced with SLP vacancies in our districts, we knew we needed to find another solution to avoid increasing caseloads for our existing therapists. Presence provided us with that solution and helped us fill a much-needed gap in the special education services we provide.
Challenge
Helping students from ages three to 21, Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE) provides special education services and support staff to 12 school districts spanning more than 4,000 square miles across Central Kansas. At the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, CKCIE was experiencing a shortage of on-site speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
Solution
Under the leadership of Director Mike Lowers, CKCIE partnered with Presence to fill this shortage and to avoid increasing caseloads for its existing on-site SLPs. Presence, CKCIE, the districts, and primary support personnel worked hand-in-hand to make sure this initiative was a successful one.
Results
In its initial year, Presence was used with approximately 150 students to help them meet their IEP goals. The use of online therapy was well-received by students and parents alike. Because of these positive results, Presence is now being used by more than 430 students, including pre-K students and students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, across four districts serviced by CKCIE.
