Program Specifics
The Association operates a self-help Program for parents wishing to teach someone else’s child in order to get help for their own child. Adults are also accepted in the Program with a hired, trained tutor. For a few students, it is impossible for a family member to work in the Program. In those cases, the parent pays for a tutor we have trained. If the parent cannot pay, he makes application for a scholarship. The parent is to request an application from our Office prior to the beginning of the Program and the application goes to the Scholarship Committee. The parent may be granted a full or partial scholarship. Scholarships are paid from donated funds. We do not accept students whose parent/or parents can participate in the Program but refuse to do so.
By one or both of the student’s parents participating in the Program, the parent and child reap several benefits as dyslexia can affect the entire family. By the example the parent sets by giving up his/her time, he/she is setting an example for the child which says “This Program must really be important.” As a result, there is increased student motivation. Among other benefits are learning to structure home environment, techniques for helping with homework, the parent feeling less isolated as they learn from other parents facing similar problems.
Parents/tutors receive 12 hours of training prior to starting each semester. They are supervised at all times by a highly trained and experienced person and receive 30 minutes of additional training each time the Program meets. Workshops are open, free of charge, to anyone wishing to learn more about reading disabilities.
The Tutoring Program meets on Monday evenings during the school year from 5 to 7:30 at donated housing facilities. There are three semesters per year. Each semester consists of fourteen 2½ hour sessions. The summer Program is usually held the last three weeks of July and meet each weekday evening.