OAR 581-017-0880: Speech Language Stipend Program

(1) The following definitions apply to this rule: (a) Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) as defined in OAR 335-095-0010. (b) Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) as defined in OAR 335-060-0005. (c) "Department" means the Oregon Department of Education. (d) “Stipend” amount awarded to participant and employee’s Education Service District or School District. (e) “Eligible post-secondary institution” means: A generally accredited, not-for-profit institution of higher education within the United States. (f) “Participant” means a SLP/SLPA student who applies for a Stipend from the Speech-Language Pathologists Training Fund under ORS 348.398 and 348.406. (2) To be eligible for participation in the program under ORS 348.398 to and 348.406, a licensed SLP or SLPA must: (a) Be registered as a student in a program for SLP or SLPA, in an eligible post-secondary institution. (b) Agree to receive training under the supervision of a licensed SLP employed by an education service district or a school district. (c) Agree to be employed in Oregon for a minimum of two years as a speech-language pathologist or speech-language pathology assistant within the education service district or school district where the participant will receive mentoring in the first two years of licensure as an SLP or SLPA. (d) Meet other requirements placed on the participant by the Department. (3) As per ORS 348.398, The Department shall distribute moneys to education service districts and school districts to provide: (a) Stipends in an amount that is up to $2,000 per academic year for participants in the program who complete the requirements under section (2) of this section for speech-language pathology assistants; and (b) Stipends in an amount that is up to $9,000 per academic year for participants in the program who complete the requirements under section (2) of this section for speech-language pathologists. (4) A participant shall complete the employment requirement specified under subsection (2) of this section not later than three years after the date the participant graduates from the program. (5) Licensed speech-language pathologists who are employed by education service districts or school districts and provide supervision and mentoring to SLP participants may be awarded a stipend not to exceed $400 or $200 for SLPA participants as per ORS 348.398.