Which age group is primarily served by school-based SLPAs?

School-based Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) primarily work with children and adolescents, as their primary focus is on supporting the communication needs of students within educational settings. In these environments, SLPAs assist licensed speech-language pathologists in delivering services that help address speech, language, and communication disorders that can affect academic performance and social interactions among this age group.

Children and adolescents, who are often in pre-school and K-12 environments, are typically the ones who may face challenges such as speech delays, language disorders, or articulation issues. These challenges can hinder their ability to communicate effectively with peers, engage in classroom activities, and achieve academic success. Therefore, SLPAs play a crucial role in facilitating therapeutic interventions tailored to the developmental and educational context of these young individuals.

The other options represent groups that are typically served by different types of speech-language pathology services. Adults and the elderly, seniors, and veterans would usually receive services in medical or rehabilitation settings rather than in school-based programs focused on children and adolescents. Infants and toddlers may be served by early intervention programs, but they are not the primary population for school-based SLPAs, as their services become more relevant as children enter school environments.