Understanding Your Child’s Reading Journey
If you’re wondering why your child is struggling with reading and/or writing, please know that you’re not alone, and there is hope. Whether you have received a formal dyslexia diagnosis or simply suspect dyslexia, your child is welcome to begin our program. We want to reassure you that we do NOT need a formal diagnosis to start providing the reading support your child needs.
What You Should Know About Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a lifelong learning difference, but this doesn’t mean your child can’t become a successful reader and writer. With the right support, students with dyslexia can and do thrive. What your child needs is an explicit, systematic, multi-sensory reading intervention program designed to close the reading gap—and that’s exactly what we provide.
Our Gentle, Structured Approach
We use proven Orton-Gillingham methods delivered through caring one-on-one instruction to give your child the tools they need to succeed. Our structured literacy program uses the time-tested Orton-Gillingham teaching approach, which gently breaks reading and spelling into smaller, manageable skills that are consistently reviewed and built upon over time.
Your child will work with their dedicated reading instructor one-on-one through our comprehensive, carefully sequenced system. These levels don’t correspond to grade levels—instead, they’re thoughtfully designed to gradually build reading confidence and skills, starting with foundational sound awareness and progressing through increasingly sophisticated reading and spelling patterns.
At the end of each level, our patient reading instructors will gently assess your child to ensure they feel confident and have mastered each skill area. Your child will only move to the next level once they’ve achieved 95% consistent mastery—we never rush this process. Completing all levels will give your child all the tools they need to read just about anything with confidence.
Your Family’s Journey With Us
If you’re ready to take the next steps, here’s what you can expect from our supportive program:
Step 1: Consultation
Schedule a call here or contact us at 716-541-0331 to set up a warm consultation with Jennifer Lynn Hoffman. If Jennifer is unavailable, you will meet with our services coordinator and Jennifer’s husband, Ken Hoffman. This consultation will include a comprehensive overview of the program and what to expect, all in a comfortable, no-pressure environment.
Step 2: Reading Evaluation
After you’ve completed your consultation, you’ll be ready to set up a gentle Reading Evaluation with Chrissy Rheam, or an Enrollment Evaluation with either Chrissy or Karen Szalach for our Orton-Gillingham services.
Step 3: Getting Started
After completing and passing the screening, your child will begin their personalized journey with our Orton-Gillingham program.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t quite ready to begin with an Orton-Gillingham based program right away—this is completely normal! If they don’t pass the initial screening, our caring reading instructors will start them in our Foundation in Sounds Program. This nurturing course will prepare them for our main Orton-Gillingham services.
Foundation in Sounds focuses on improving auditory discrimination, auditory memory, and auditory sequencing skills in a supportive environment. Most students who complete Foundation in Sounds go on to pass the screening with ease and confidently enter our structured literacy program.
Step 4: Begin Your Child’s Success Story!
Once your child has entered our Orton-Gillingham program, they’ll meet with their dedicated reading instructor at least twice per week. These supportive tutoring sessions can take place in-person, virtually, or through a flexible hybrid model that works for your family’s schedule.
Every Child is Unique
We understand that every child learns differently and at their own pace. Our trained and experienced reading instructors will thoughtfully adapt to meet your child’s individual needs. With years of experience and genuine care for each student, our instructors often use creative and engaging methods to help children overcome obstacles and build confidence.
Remember: Your child’s reading challenges are not a reflection of their intelligence or potential. With the right support, patience, and encouragement, every child can become a successful reader.
