TalkTools® Levels OPT™ Curriculum
Level 1: Foundational
Lower Level — Certificate of Course Completion
Level 1 establishes the foundational principles of Oral Placement Therapy™. Learners build the knowledge and confidence to integrate OPT™ techniques with their clients and speech and feeding teams from day one.
Required Courses
3-Part Treatment Plan for OPT™
The foundational OPT™ course covering oral placement theory, assessment principles, and building a treatment framework. Available as self-study, virtual streaming, or in-person workshop.
OPT: Assessment and Program Plan Development™
Apply what you have learned in the foundational course to build your own preliminary OPT™ Program. Available as self-study, virtual streaming, or in-person workshop.
Completion Requirements
- Submit Levels Training Application
- Complete both required courses (certificates valid within 3 years)
- 3 months direct application or immersive observation of OPT™ techniques in practice
Level 2: Intermediate
Lower Level — Certificate of Course Completion
Level 2 expands your OPT™ knowledge into specialty clinical areas including feeding therapy, sensory regulation, motor speech, and orofacial myology. Choose at least one 12-hour core specialty course from the list below.
Core Specialty Courses (choose at least 1)
Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach™
Comprehensive sensory-motor framework for feeding therapy assessment and intervention.
Superpowers of the Sensory System™
Understanding and integrating sensory regulation techniques in therapy practice.
Motor Speech Series™ / Childhood Apraxia of Speech™
Evidence-based approaches to motor speech disorders and apraxia of speech.
Kaleidoscope Model for Feeding™
Holistic multi-sensory model for feeding foundations and intervention.
Assessment and Remediation of Tethered Oral Tissues™
Evaluation and treatment planning for tethered oral tissue (TOT) conditions.
Best Practices in Feeding, Speech and Mouth Function™
Integrative best-practice strategies across feeding, speech, and oral motor.
Eating and Swallowing: A Global Approach
Global frameworks for dysphagia assessment and treatment.
Taking Clients with Autism from Non-Vocal to Verbal™
Communication strategies for non-speaking clients with autism spectrum disorder.
Completion Requirements
- Level 1 completion + new Levels Training Application
- At least 1 core specialty course (12 hrs)
- 12 additional hours of TalkTools® elective courses
- 3 additional months OPT™ practice (6 months cumulative)
Level 3: OPT™ Specialist
Upper Level — Official OPT™ Specialist Certification
Level 3 is a multi-day, interactive workshop limited to a small cohort of Level 2 graduates. Led by top TalkTools® speech and feeding therapists, this immersive experience builds critical thinking, deepens clinical expertise, and awards official OPT™ Specialist status.
Workshop Modules
Clinical Case Study Analysis
Work through real-world OPT™ case studies guided by TalkTools® instructors. Develop independent reasoning for complex client presentations.
Critical Thinking and Evaluation Strategies
Apply evidence-based frameworks to OPT™ assessment. Practice evaluating oral motor function across a spectrum of diagnoses.
OPT™ Treatment Plan Development
Build comprehensive, individualized OPT™ treatment plans. Learn to document, measure, and adapt protocols over the course of therapy.
Team Approach and Collaboration
Explore collaborative models for speech and feeding teams. Understand referral networks, co-treatment strategies, and family-centered care.
Pre-Workshop Self-Study Module
Required preparatory module completed independently before the live workshop. Covers advanced OPT™ concepts and pre-test material.
Acceptance Requirements
- Level 1 and Level 2 completion
- 6 months cumulative OPT™ practice
- Pre-acceptance interview with Levels™ Instructor
- Valid professional credentials on file
Upon Completion
- ✓Official OPT™ Specialist Certificate
- ✓Level 3 Specialist Badge
- ✓TalkTools® Global Network membership
- ✓1-on-1 Teaching Team mentoring
- ✓TalkTools® product discounts
Level 4: OPT™ Advanced Specialist
Upper Level — Advanced Specialist Certification
Level 4 is the pinnacle of the TalkTools® Levels Program. A small, exclusive cohort of Level 3 OPT™ Specialists brings their own clinical cases and collaborates with top instructors to master comprehensive assessment and treatment plan design.
Workshop Modules
Cohort-Led Case Study Sessions
Each participant presents their own OPT™ case study. The group collaborates with the instructor to analyze, critique, and enrich each treatment plan.
Comprehensive Assessment Mastery
Advanced frameworks for complete oral motor, feeding, and speech function assessment. Emphasis on differential diagnosis and evidence-based decision-making.
Advanced Treatment Plan Architecture
Design multi-stage, comprehensive OPT™ programs. Learn to adapt plans in real time and document outcomes for complex, multi-diagnosis presentations.
Mentorship and Leadership Development
Develop skills to guide Level 1 and Level 2 therapists. Learn to contribute to the TalkTools® community through blog posts, articles, and feedback on new tools.
Pre-Workshop Self-Study Module
Required preparatory module completed independently before the live workshop. Includes advanced review content and a pre-test.
Acceptance Requirements
- Level 3 completion + OPT™ Specialist status
- 2+ years applied OPT™ techniques
- Pre-acceptance Q&A interview
- Valid professional credentials on file
Upon Completion
- ✓Level 4 Advanced Specialist Certificate
- ✓Senior OPT™ Specialist Badge
- ✓Senior Global Network membership
- ✓Eligibility to guide L1 and L2 therapists
- ✓Expanded TalkTools® discounts
TalkTools® Levels OPT™
Specialist Training Program
The only officially recognized advanced training program for Oral Placement Therapy™
About the Program
The TalkTools® Levels OPT™ Specialist Training Program is an exclusive, structured educational pathway for speech and feeding professionals seeking advanced recognition in Oral Placement Therapy™. Four progressive levels guide practitioners from foundational OPT™ techniques through to Advanced Specialist certification, with each level building clinical depth, critical thinking, and professional network access.
Who Is This Program For?
The 4 Levels at a Glance
Foundational Lower Level
Complete 2 core OPT™ courses and apply techniques for 3 months. Earn Certificate of Course Completion.
Intermediate Lower Level
Complete a 12-hour specialty course plus 12 additional hours of TalkTools® training. 6 months practice cumulative.
OPT™ Specialist Upper Level
Multi-day interactive workshop (small cohort). Pre-acceptance interview required. Earn official OPT™ Specialist Certificate, badge, and Global Network membership.
Advanced Specialist Upper Level
Exclusive cohort of Level 3 Specialists. Bring your own case studies. 2+ years practice required. Earn Advanced Specialist Certificate and Senior Network membership.
Key Benefits
Global Network
Join the TalkTools® OPT™ Therapist Global Network and connect with specialists worldwide.
Official Recognition
Earn certificates and badges you can use in communications, marketing, and client outreach.
Expert Mentoring
Receive 1-on-1 mentoring from the TalkTools® Teaching Team and top OPT™ educators.
How to Apply
Review the requirements for each Level.
Submit your Levels Training Application. TalkTools® staff aim to notify you within 45 days.
Complete Level 1 and Level 2 coursework and apply OPT™ techniques with your clients.
After completing Levels 1 and 2, inquire about Level 3 training.
After completing Level 3, enquire about Level 4 training.
Application is required even if you have already started Level 1 or Level 2 coursework.
TalkTools® Levels OPT™ Specialist Training Program
The only officially recognized advanced training program for Oral Placement Therapy™, structured for SLPs, OTs, and feeding professionals who want to grow their practice, empower their clients, and expand their global network.
Your Professional Growth Path
4 progressive levels, each building on the last, from foundational OPT™ training to Advanced Specialist certification
Level 1
Foundational — Lower Level
Requirements
- Levels Training application
- 3-Part Treatment Plan for OPT™ course
- OPT: Assessment and Program Plan Development™ course
- 3 months applied OPT™ techniques in practice
What You'll Gain
- Practical techniques for speech and feeding teams
- Functional concepts compatible with other therapy approaches
- Certificate of Course Completion
Formats: Self-study/on-demand, in-person workshop, or virtual streaming (Zoom).
Note: Certificates must be valid from the past 3 years. Application is required even if you have already started Level 1 coursework.
"Acquire practical OPT™ techniques you can use with your speech and feeding team right away."
"Develop broader OPT™ proficiency and continue empowering the clients and families you serve."
Level 2
Intermediate — Lower Level
Requirements
- Levels Training application + Level 1 completion
- At least 1 specialty course (12 hrs)
- 12 hrs additional TalkTools® courses
- 3 additional months applied OPT™ (6 months cumulative)
What You'll Gain
- Broader proficiency in OPT™
- Advanced knowledge in feeding, sensory and speech
- Preparation for Level 3 specialist training
Formats: On-demand/self-study, in-person, or virtual streaming (Zoom).
Specialty options: Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach™, Kaleidoscope Model for Feeding™, MYOTools 101+102, Tethered Oral Tissues™, Motor Speech Series™, and more.
Level 3
OPT™ Specialist — Upper Level
Requirements
- Level 1 and Level 2 completion
- 6 months applied OPT™ techniques (cumulative)
- Pre-acceptance interview with Levels™ Instructor
- Levels Training application
What You'll Gain
- Official OPT™ Specialist Certificate and badge
- Member of TalkTools® Global Therapist Network
- 1-on-1 mentoring from TalkTools® Teaching Team
- Special discounts on TalkTools® products
Format: Multi-day interactive workshop (virtual Zoom or in-person), limited small cohort.
Focus: Case studies, critical thinking, evaluation strategies, and OPT™ treatment plans led by top speech and feeding therapists.
"Grow critical thinking skills and join an immersive, collaborative learning cohort led by OPT™ experts."
"Collaborate with like-minded Level 3 peers to brainstorm practical solutions to tough case studies in real time."
Level 4
OPT™ Advanced Specialist — Upper Level
Requirements
- Level 3 completion + Official OPT™ Specialist status
- 2+ years of applied OPT™ techniques in practice
- Pre-acceptance Q&A interview with Levels Instructor
- Levels Training application
What You'll Gain
- Level 4 Advanced Specialist Certificate and senior badge
- Senior member of the TalkTools® OPT™ Global Network
- Eligibility to guide Level 1 and Level 2 therapists
- Expanded discounts and exclusive TalkTools® offers
Format: Multi-day workshop (virtual Zoom or in-person), limited cohort of Level 3 OPT™ Specialists.
Focus: Cohort brings their own OPT™ case studies for collaborative, instructor-guided discussions on comprehensive assessment and treatment plans.
Levels Comparison Overview
A quick glance at the milestones of your OPT journey
Ready to Become a Recognized OPT™ Specialist?
Application is required, even if you have already started Level 1 or Level 2 coursework. TalkTools® staff aim to notify you of acceptance status within 45 days of submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the TalkTools® Levels OPT™ Training Program
- 1Review the requirements for each Level (see the levels section above).
- 2Submit your Levels Training Application. TalkTools staff will make every effort to notify you within 45 days.
- 3Complete Level 1 and Level 2 coursework and apply the OPT™ techniques you have learned with your clients.
- 4After completing Level 1 and Level 2 coursework, inquire about Level 3 training.
- 5After completing Level 3 training, enquire about Level 4 training.
Level 1 (Foundational) and Level 2 (Intermediate) are prerequisite courses for Levels 3 and 4.
Level 3 (OPT™ Specialist) is a multi-day workshop, limited to a small cohort of Level 2 graduates. The cohort works closely with the Instructor on case studies, evaluation strategies, and OPT™ treatment plans.
Level 4 (Advanced OPT™ Specialist) is a multi-day workshop for Level 3 OPT™ Specialists who bring their own case studies for collaborative, instructor-guided discussions.
Anyone interested in expanding their OPT™ knowledge, empowering their clients, and growing their practice may apply. Professionals who may benefit include:
Yes! We encourage learners to apply at any point during their educational journey. Once you review the requirements, you may be closer to Level 3 training than you think! Application is required for acceptance, even if you have completed some or all lower level coursework.
No. Level 1 and Level 2 certificates verify course completion only. They do not certify you as an OPT™ Specialist and do not qualify you to advertise as a TalkTools® Levels-trained OPT™ Specialist. Only individuals who have completed Level 3 at minimum hold that recognition.
