Early Intervention SLP Must-Haves

So you just accepted a job as an Early Intervention SLP.  Maybe you're a CF just starting out.  On the other hand, maybe you're a seasoned SLP making a career move.   If you're using this summer to get prepared, here's a list of materials, outfit notes, and other necessities that you will need/want to get started.

Materials:

• Bubbles.  I haven't met a kid that didn't like bubbles! They are super motivating. 
• Blocks.  Kids love to build towers and knock them over.  There are a lot of language opportunities here. 
• Cars. 
• Dolls. There are so many pretend play opportunities here! 
• Pretend Food. There are also so many pretend play opportunities. 
• Play Doh.  So many language opportunities here. 
• Books.  Do I need to explain?  There are SO many things you can target with books! 
• Anything in your clients' houses--this will allow for the parents to see activities and do them with their children later 
• iPad--there are a lot of great apps for EI/preschool-age kids. 

Outfit:

• Fun socks.  You're likely going to be taking your shoes off in your clients' homes.  Have some fun socks to wear! 
• Shoes that are easy to slip on and off.  See above for the reason. 
• Clothes that are comfortable and easy to move around in.  You never know where you will be sitting or what position you may end up in. 
• Change of clothes.  It is more than likely that you will get something on your clothes somewhere along the way.  You're going to need to change at some point and probably won't have time to run home or to the store.  
• Dress in layers.  You will never know if a client's home is going to be hot or cold. 

Other Necessities:

• A good mug that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. You're going to be in and out of your car a lot, so keep your drink the correct temperature is important! 
• A good thermal lunch box and ice packs. Same reason as above. 
• Hand Sanitizer. You are going to encounter a lot of germs.  Keep this handy! 
• Lysol wipes.  Again, you're going to encounter a lot of germs.  You're going to want to wipe everything down. 
• Mileage app. Track your miles for tax purposes!
• A car charger.  You will want to charge your phone/iPad while you're driving.  

For more great ideas, check out Laura Mize's ideas over at Teach Me To Talk! 

What are your must-haves for the early intervention population?