| Aspect | IEP | Speech Therapist |
|---|
| Credentials | Special Education Certification, IEP training | Speech-Language Pathologist Certification (CCC-SLP) |
| Work Environment | Schools, educational settings | Clinics, schools, hospitals |
| Employer & Industry | School districts, educational institutions | Healthcare, educational settings |
| Primary Focus | Developing Individualized Education Programs for students | Assessing and treating speech and language disorders |
While an IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a plan created by educators and specialists to support students' learning needs, a Speech Therapist is a licensed professional who provides therapy to improve speech and language skills. Both roles often collaborate in educational settings, but their functions and credentials differ.