Pediatric Feeding & Dysphagia Training

Home / Pediatric Feeding & Dysphagia Training

Illustration representing pediatric feeding and swallowing training

About Pediatric Feeding & Dysphagia Training

Specialized training, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities for SLPs, students, and clinical teams seeking deeper skill development in pediatric feeding and swallowing

Illustration of a clinician working with a child on feeding skills
A group seated in a circle listening to a speaker at a lectern

Advantages Of Pediatric Feeding & Dysphagia Training

Speech Happens offers structured pediatric feeding and dysphagia training programs designed to support clinicians across stages of experience. From foundational instruction to advanced case-based mentorship, these learning opportunities are built to strengthen clinical reasoning, hands-on skills, and confidence in pediatric feeding and swallowing practice.

Who this is for

Training Pathways

Choose from introductory, intermediate, advanced, and customized mentorship options based on your experience level and professional goals.

Pathway 1

Introductory Training

Foundations in Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing

For
New SLPs, SLP students, or clinicians new to pediatric feeding
Duration
Half-day to full-day workshop (flexible)
Format
Hands-on + small group demonstration

What you will learn

  • Recognize normal pediatric feeding and swallowing development
  • Conduct a structured bedside feeding evaluation
  • Identify early signs of feeding difficulties and dysphagia
  • Implement basic oral-motor and sensory strategies
  • Practice safe positioning and feeding techniques
  • Communicate simple feeding strategies to caregivers

 

Pathway 2

Intermediate Training

Clinical Assessment & Intervention

For
SLPs with some pediatric feeding experience
Duration
Full-day workshop or multi-session course
Format
Hands-on labs, live demonstration, case studies

What you will learn

  • Perform comprehensive oral-motor and sensory assessments
  • Identify and classify pediatric feeding disorders
  • Introduce safe texture progression and adaptive strategies
  • Apply behavioral strategies to support mealtime participation
  • Collaborate with caregivers to set practical feeding goals

Pathway 3

Advanced Training

Complex Pediatric Feeding & Dysphagia Management

For
Experienced SLPs managing medically complex children
Duration
Multi-day intensive workshop
Format
Hands-on clinical sessions, VFSS interpretation, case-based mentorship

What you will learn

  • Interpret VFSS and FEES results and integrate findings into treatment
  • Design individualized treatment plans for complex cases
  • Manage aspiration risk, oral aversion, and multi-system challenges
  • Implement advanced oral-motor, sensory, and behavioral interventions
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (OT, PT, dietitian, physician)
  • Mentor junior clinicians or students in advanced pediatric feeding skills

Pathway 4

Customized Mentorship & Clinical Shadowing

For
SLPs or students seeking one-on-one guidance
Format
Flexible scheduling – in-clinic, hybrid, or virtual observation

Opportunities include

  • Shadowing clinical feeding sessions
  • Individualized case discussion and treatment planning
  • Hands-on practice under expert supervision
  • CEU credit for observation + mentorship
Elizabeth Alam, M.S., CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow, founder of Speech Happens

Elizabeth Alam

M.S., CCC-SLP

ASHA Fellow · 17 years in practice

Explore Speech Dynamics Insights

Articles on feeding, swallowing and communication, written for clinicians.

When Does a…

A few concrete signals that point to a team-level communication gap, rather than an individual one.

Who Pediatric Feeding…

Four training pathways, from a new clinician's first feeding evaluation to advanced instrumental assessment and mentorship.

Does Insurance Cover…

Accent coaching is not covered by insurance, and the reason matters. What makes clinical speech therapy different,…