How Tutoring Works
The Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc. reading instruction is direct, systematic, cumulative, individualized, and responsive to each child’s unique needs.
Every child receives one-on-one tutoring; instruction is never delivered in groups. Lessons are customized based on assessment data and ongoing performance. Instruction follows a Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE) approach rooted in Orton-Gillingham/Structured Literacy principles. Instruction is direct, explicit, systematic, sequential, and cumulative. Skills are taught in a carefully planned progression from foundational phonemic awareness through advanced decoding, spelling, and written language. Sessions are held twice per week after school and last approximately 55 minutes. Children typically complete about 50 lessons per year.
Each lesson includes a review of previously taught concepts, multisensory practice, introduction of new concepts, guided reading and spelling practice, and written language application with immediate corrective feedback. Instruction is diagnostic and prescriptive. Tutors continuously adjust pacing and content based on the child’s responses. Initial standardized and curriculum-based assessments determine entry-level skills. Formal progress monitoring occurs after the first year and guides instructional decisions and recommendations for continuation.
For children who continue for a second year, formal progress monitoring is repeated. Most children attend the program for about two years. Children graduate when they meet established benchmarks and demonstrate meaningful progress in reading.
Tutors receive specialized training in the structured literacy approach. Clinical staff provide ongoing oversight that ensures instructional fidelity, quality, and consistency across centers. The program’s effectiveness and family satisfaction are reflected in recent feedback, as the 2024–2025 Parent Survey results indicated that 100% of respondents would recommend the program.
One on One Child Instruction
- Every child receives individual tutoring.
- Lessons are customized based on assessment data and ongoing performance.
Structured Literacy Framework
- Structured Literacy Framework Instruction follows a Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE) approach rooted in Orton-Gillingham principles.
- Skills are taught in a carefully planned progression from foundational phonemic awareness through advanced decoding, spelling, and written language.
Frequency & Scheduling
- Tutors receive specialized training in the structured literacy approach.
- Each session lasts approximately 55 minutes.
- Children typically complete about 50 lessons per year.
Lesson Structure
- Lessons are diagnostic and prescriptive—meaning instruction is continuously adjusted based on the child's responses.
Assessment & Progress Monitoring
- Initial standardized and curriculum-based assessments determine entry-level skills.
- Progress monitoring occurs formally after the first and second year, before graduation.
- Data guide instructional pacing and decisions about program continuation.
Duration of Services
- Most children attend for approximately two years.
- Attendance for a second year is based on growth data and remaining instructional goals.
- Graduation occurs when children meet established benchmarks and demonstrate meaningful reading growth.