Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

Which assessment would NOT be conducted by an SLP working with a child in a skilled care setting?

1. Speech sound assessment

2. Functional communication assessment

3. Cognitive-linguistic assessment

4. Eligibility determinations for special education

The correct answer is: Eligibility determinations for special education

In a skilled care setting, the primary focus of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is on the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders that arise due to medical conditions, injury, or illness. While eligibility determinations for special education are important, they typically fall under the domain of school-based SLPs whose role is to evaluate children in the educational context to determine qualification for special educational services. In contrast, assessments such as speech sound assessment, functional communication assessment, and cognitive-linguistic assessment can be relevant in a skilled care setting. For instance, a speech sound assessment helps identify articulation problems, a functional communication assessment evaluates a child’s ability to effectively communicate within their daily routines and contexts, and a cognitive-linguistic assessment examines higher-level language skills such as reasoning, problem-solving, and executive function, which may all be critical in facilitating rehabilitation in a medical environment. Therefore, conducting eligibility determinations for special education is less relevant and typically not within the responsibilities of SLPs in a skilled care setting.