Alabama Early Intervention Requirements for Practice
The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for developing requirements for the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology to work in the early intervention setting. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
Audiology
Education
Doctoral degree plus 4th year internship (for new licenses beginning January 2007)
Certification/Licensure
State licensure is issued by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology.
Prerequisite Training
- Special Instruction Webinar/Mentorship
- Journey I and II
- Attendance at the "Message ReVITALIZED: Journey II" training is required of all new vendors and other new disciplinary staff (defined as direct service providers, therapists, and contract staff) within six months of employment in the Alabama Early Intervention System (AEIS) (unless prior approval for an extended timeline is obtained from the AEIS state office).
- Service Coordinators are required to complete the "Journey through Early Intervention in Alabama-Level I" training and "Message ReVITALIZED: Journey II." This training can only be taken after a Service Coordinator has worked in the position for at least 3 months. This training, however, must be completed by the sixth month of employment (unless prior approval for an extended timeline is obtained from the AEIS state office). A Service Coordinator mentor will be assigned to work with the new Service Coordinator for at least the first 3 month of employment and the Service Coordinator handbook will be given to the new Service Coordinator as a guide.
Speech-Language Pathology
Education
Master's degree or equivalent
Certification/Licensure
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech/Language Pathology and license from the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology (unless exempt from licensure) OR in clinical fellowship year with supervision in accordance with ASHA guidelines.
Prerequisite Training
- Special Instruction Webinar/Mentorship
- Journey I and II
- Attendance at the "Message ReVITALIZED: Journey II" training is required of all new vendors and other new disciplinary staff (defined as direct service providers, therapists, and contract staff) within six months of employment in AEIS (unless prior approval for an extended timeline is obtained from the AEIS state office).
- Service Coordinators are required to complete the "Journey through Early Intervention in Alabama-Level I" training and "Message ReVITALIZED: Journey II." This training can only be taken after a Service Coordinator has worked in the position for at least 3 months. This training, however, must be completed by the sixth month of employment (unless prior approval for an extended timeline is obtained from the AEIS state office). A Service Coordinator mentor will be assigned to work with the new Service Coordinator for at least the first 3 months of employment and the Service Coordinator handbook will be given to the new Service Coordinator as a guide.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Education
Bachelor's degree in communication disorders or speech-language pathology
Certification/Licensure
Authorization for the Assistant Speech Pathologist from the Alabama Board of Examiners in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology.
Must be under the direct supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist. Direct supervision requires the physical presence of the licensee in the same facility or location at all times when the assistant is carrying out assigned clinical responsibilities. The licensed supervisor must document direct observation of at least 10% of all clinical services provided by the assistant. Direct supervision must be provided on-site for each child and family in the natural environment at a minimum of one out of every 6 visits, but no less than every 90 calendar days.
Prerequisite Training
Not addressed.
Continuing Education
Individuals with no certification or licensure requirement for continuing education are required to participate in 16 contact hours, every 2 years, of continuing education activities related to early intervention/pediatrics, working with children and families, or child development.
All early intervention personnel are required to complete the training instruction "Message ReVITALIZED: Journey II" within every three years during their employment with AEIS.
Agency Oversight
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Early Intervention
Resources
For further information regarding audiologists and speech-language pathologists working in the early intervention setting, please visit these websites:
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.
