SLPA Jobs for Summer: Top Opportunities for SLPAs During Break
- alykomerch
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Posted on April 7th, 2025
When the school year ends, many Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) wonder, “What now?” Since most SLPAs work in school-based settings, their contracts typically follow the academic calendar—leaving June through August open. But that doesn’t mean your SLPA work has to stop. In fact, summer is the perfect time to explore new opportunities, grow professionally, or simply recharge.
In this post, we’ll explore SLPA jobs for summer and what SLPAs commonly do during their time off.
1. Work Extended School Year (ESY) Programs
Many districts offer Extended School Year (ESY) services for students who qualify under their IEP. These programs typically run a few weeks during the summer and are a great way for SLPAs to:
Continue earning income
Maintain clinical skills
Support students who need ongoing services
ESY schedules are often lighter than the regular school year, making it a nice balance of work and summer break.
2. Explore Private Practice Opportunities
Some private speech therapy clinics hire SLPAs for part-time or temporary summer work. These positions might involve:
One-on-one or group therapy
Supporting licensed SLPs
Helping clients maintain or improve communication skills during the summer
Reach out to local private practices or browse online job boards to find openings in your area.
3. Teletherapy and Online Contract Work
With the rise of virtual services, some companies hire SLPAs to assist with teletherapy sessions. During the summer, these roles may include:
Prepping and organizing materials for virtual therapy
Supporting students in online speech sessions
Helping virtual SLPs during summer catch-up programs
While not all states allow SLPAs to deliver teletherapy directly, many support roles are available that don’t require direct treatment.
4. Create or Sell Speech Therapy Resources
Summer is the ideal time to tap into your creative side! Many SLPAs use the summer months to design and sell digital or printable therapy materials. You can create:
Boom Cards
Communication boards
Adapted books
Data trackers and visual supports
Selling on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers, Etsy, or Boom Learning can generate passive income year-round.
5. Take Continuing Education Courses
Use the summer to grow your professional skills! Consider taking CEU courses or certifications in areas like:
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
Behavior strategies
Cultural competency
Autism spectrum disorders
Websites like SpeechPathology.com, ASHA, and CEU Smart offer great options for SLPAs looking to build expertise.
6. Work a Fun, Non-Speech Job (And Recharge!)
Not every SLPA wants to work over the summer—and that’s okay! Some choose to:
Travel
Work seasonal jobs like summer camps or recreation centers
Take time off to rest, reset, and recharge
Taking a break is essential for avoiding burnout and returning to the school year with fresh energy and perspective.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to be a lull for SLPAs. Whether you’re looking to earn extra money, gain new experience, or simply take a well-deserved break, there are plenty of ways to use your summer wisely. Whether you work ESY, explore private practice, create digital resources, or focus on personal wellness—remember, your time matters.
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About the Author
Hi! I’m Kim, and I’ve been a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) for nearly a decade. I have a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and have worked in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, providing services to students in general education and special day classes. I created this blog to share my experiences and help other SLPAs navigate their school-based speech therapy journey.
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