Hey there, friends! I hope the start of the school year has been smooth and productive. Even though I am not school based, the school year always brings me schedule changes and motivation for some organizing. I recently received a message from a reader asking for information on how I store my student information. It had been a few years since my last post on this topic, so I thought I would do a little update. (To see the original post, click here: A Peek Inside my Therapy Binder)
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My job has changed quite a bit over the years. When I first left the schools and started private practice, I was constantly driving around to see my students. I kept a binder with each student's class schedule, a copy of their plan of care/goals, data sheets, and a therapy lesson plan form. These items are all separated by pocket dividers for each student.
At the front of the binder I keep a copy of my schedule and the school(s) schedule so I am aware of days off and special school events.
In my old post I shared that I also kept I large envelope in the binder to stash my expense receipts since I am an independent contractor. I personally don't use that method anymore, but it was a great organization tool at the time.
After COVID hit, I was not driving around as much anymore. The schools and daycares weren't letting outside therapists in so all my students were either over teletherapy or they came to see me in the clinic. Since I was stationary, I decided my student information method could also be stationary. I invested in a pretty rose gold hanging file system with folders. In these folders I also keep a copy of the student's plan of care/goals, testing protocols, data sheets, and lesson plan template. When the student comes to speech, I pull their folder out so I am reminded of their goals and what we did in speech last time.
I use a therapy lesson plan template that I created to remind myself of what we worked on during the last session. Don't you hate when the child comes in and you can't remember what you worked on last? "Did we practice CH words? No, SH.... what book did we read? I think I sent homework last week...." I very well may be getting old and my memory after kids definitely has never been the same because I have a hard time remembering these things. This simple template has proved to be a lifesaver.
Simple. Easy. Just the way I like it!
You can download a copy of this Therapy Lesson Plan form in my VIP Library. Click on the link in the purple menu bar at the top of this page. If you're an email subscriber you know the password! If you're not, sign up to get it.
