SLP Data Collection Techniques and Organization

SLP data collection and organization is critical, whether you are a digital or paper-based kind of SLP! I’ve tried to move most of my data collection and caseload management to a digital platform to cut back on paper and clutter, but I know lots of SLPs work best when they have paper data. Sometimes it’s nice just to get your hands on the data!

So, I’ve had some requests for an SLP organization FAQ!

Sigh… caseload management and data collection. A necessary but sometimes not as fun part of our jobs. I’m kind of obsessed with the system I came up with last year to keep organized, so I thought I’d share it with you in case you’re in need of some fresh ideas!

First up, SLP data collection. I made this form that I use for almost all of my kiddos.

Do I take data on everything, every goal, every session? No. Absolutely not! Sometimes data tracking makes me feel a little nutty as I want to stay engaged and present with my kiddos. I like having this binder however, to stay organized and make simple progress monitoring easier! Below is an example of how I might fill out a data sheet:

       

I use the simple +/- system, in addition to letters to indicate the types of cues I provided, if any. For example, G = gestural cue, T = tactile cue, V = verbal cue, etc… If you’re interested in this data sheet, click on the pictures of it above. It’s a free download in my TpT store!

I keep lots of these sheets printed and ready in my handy dandy SLP data collection binder. I use another freebie of mine to decorate the cover. You can download that freebie here.

I label makered (that’s a verb, right?) the side for easy reference when it’s on a shelf with a bunch of other plain white binders.

Inside of the binder is where the magic happens. I have the binder organized by day of the week.

Under each tab, I have the current goals printed for each kid I see that day. Underneath their goal sheet, I keep their individual data sheets. If I see them multiple days a week, I just keep data under the first day of the week I see them.

In the front of the binder, I printed my Excel spreadsheet that I use to keep track of plan of care due dates, birthdays, last evaluation dates, outside service information, allergies, billing codes, etc…

To keep track of (some) materials, I use an expandable file folder. Each kiddo I see has a part and I keep worksheets, materials, and visuals in it for easy reference or simple, applicable last minute plans.

That way, when I see something awesome (on TpT or a blog) or I’m printing something and just want to print several while I’m at it, I sort it in their divided section for later. Anytime I’m feeling less than creative, I’m guaranteed to have several choices of activities targeting their goals in their sections. Every few months or so I go through them to make sure the sections don’t get too crazy!

Last but not least, how do I keep track of every goal for every kiddo I see? I made these weekly plan goal sheets.

On the far right side is the kiddo’s names that I see under a specific day (see the header). The middle column is their goals in VERY general terms, just so that I don’t forget about one and focus on the other 4. Then, the right column is blank so I can write in my activity plans for them for the day! I print several weeks in advance and staple them together. That way, after a session and I think, “Next time I should do really do x, y, z”, I can pull out my planning sheet for next week and write it on there! I like that I don’t keep data in the same place, because honestly everything just got so messy! Oh and also, on my bottom of sheets of days where I see fewer kids and I have space, I have a “to do” and a “prep” and an “other” section so I can write in meetings I have to attend, materials I need to laminate, and emails I need to send!

That’s what works best for me! I hope this SLP data collection organization FAQ was helpful for you! Do you do anything similar? Different? I’d love to hear!

{thanks for reading}