This is just a quick episode on the CFY search process (in California) moreso for the school district and private practice clinic settings. I can't really speak about other settings e.g. outpatient, SNF, or home health, so apologies for that, but hope this is helpful for those who are wanting to know more about the difference between the RPE license versus the CTC credential, looking at recruiting companies versus direct-hire positions, and the pros and cons (although this varies between districts, companies, locations, etc.) Also an example of when to start reaching out and inquiring if certain places will take on CFs. **8 hours in ONE MONTH**** =24 hours per segment (3 segments total)

This episode briefly discusses the Rosetti Infant Toddler Language Scale (RITLS) how to administer it and a brief example of the run through and some of the questions that are asked on it, as well as how to score it. 

The PLS-5 is one of those assessments where there are so many different manipulatives and you're literally going from using manipulatives to flipping through the stimulus books, to scoring, to keeping the child attending to the tasks, etc. Here, I discuss a few quick tips for EI assessments in general, an example of administering a section of the PLS-5, and some suggestions on how to try and make the evaluation process go more smoothly. This is definitely one of those tests where there is a general consensus that after even 10+ years as an SLP, even the most seasoned SLPs find it a doozy to administer. As a graduate student, administering this test made me feel defeated the first couple of times, and even as a new CF now it's still not one of my favorites, but I am doing better with administering it more efficiently. Also, take time to practice giving this even if it means reciting it and going through the motion of putting the manipulatives and flipping through the test books, etc. on your own, or with a classmate, or with your supervisor when you have some down time. Practicing it a couple times will help you feel a little more at ease, and less stressed versus trying to go in cold for whatever assessment you are going to give as a graduate clinician. I hope some of these suggestions help :)  NOTE: Basal = Three consecutive scores of 1. Reverse to previous age start point until 3 consecutive scores of 1 are achieved. Continue testing from that point forward. Ceiling= 6 consecutive scores of 0. 

Are you an incoming or current graduate student looking to stay more organized for your current or future placements? This episode briefly describes what the placement planner includes, and how it has many different options for you to stay on-track and reduce the stress that comes with being organized and having good time-management skills during your graduate program. I include brief tips and reminders for school and medical settings, so that aside from your clinical supervisors feedback, you can quickly refer back to the tips provided in this planner as well. :) Lastly, there is a section on reflection for daily and weekly reflection, so that you can take time to unwind, reflect on how you're doing, and reflect on how you're doing as a student clinician, and if you are remembering to take some time for yourself as well. Graduate school is a constant hike and the trail can be along a path that seems to be going this way and that at times. Having an organized planner can ease some of that burden. 

A bit more discussion on the specifics of how a small group therapy session might go, examples of the structure of small group therapy sessions (from two different clinical settings, examples of transition songs, and how to incorporate that parent/caregiver counseling piece within the therapy sessions.  *Note: Apologies for the seemingly semi-hoarse sounding voice and more lack of energy than usual as my first take did not record, and decided to try it one more time right after that long recording. 

At one point or another, you will experience burn out in graduate school. In this episode I talk about my own experience with burnout and how I wish I had took more consideration into self-care and finding time to breathe during what I consider to be the most stressful semester of my graduate program. Act early to reduce burnout. You cannot be an effective clinician if you're too worn out trying to spread yourself thin in coursework plus clinicals or whatever else your energy is being put into. As other people would say "You can't pour from an empty cup." 

This short episode talks about reminding yourself that you do belong in this field. That you will become an SLP, that it does take work but that people are here to support you. 

Being an introvert within the field of speech-language pathology can sometimes have it's unique (and sometimes difficult) experiences, however there are ways to make the most of it. Introversion is a strength and can serve you by becoming an empathetic and highly cognizant clinician. Here I discuss some of my experiences as well as some of the most helpful tips that my previous clinical placements supervisors have given me. 

What is the on-campus clinical placement? How many supervisors will I have? What will my schedule be like? What should I bring with me to clinic? (Your client schedule will depend on your specific graduate program so this is just based on my own experience)* Creating a therapy "toolkit" is something very beneficial for graduate student clinicians as they start off in their clinical placements. Listen to this episode to find out more about this important component of a graduate SLP program. 

The story of how I went through two rounds of applying to graduate schools before finally getting accepted. What I learned about rejection and some information on how my graduate program was designed regarding curricula, clinical placements, etc.