Welcome!
Parents, here you will find important details about how programmes are delivered, and you are encouraged to review this information prior to booking sessions.
How do I know if my child needs decoding support?
If your child exhibits these signs, s/he would benefit from decoding instruction:
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inability to correctly name/sequence letters of the alphabet
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lack of recognition that words are made up of sounds
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difficulty identifying rhymes or other sound-based word relationships
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inability to connect letters to sounds
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trouble sounding out words
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a tendency to guess at words
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laboured and dysfluent reading
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weak reading comprehension
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avoidance of independent reading due to frustration
Initial Screening
If you suspect your child needs support with decoding, an initial screening will be done to determine his/her specific learning needs so that a proper programme placement can be made. Parents are also asked to share information prior to the screening about their child's educational experiences that can provide further insight into instructional requirements and suitability for a programme.
Scheduling
Instructional sessions are scheduled between 1:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the week and are 60 minutes in length. 'Push in' services (delivered online whilst the student is at school) are also an option, with the consent of the school. Sessions are scheduled for a student once the initial screening has been completed, and your preferred times will be accommodated as far as possible.
Intensity and Duration of Instruction
In intervention contexts, instructional intensity matters. For this reason, students are scheduled for a minimum of 2 sessions per week, preferably on non-consecutive days. The rate of student progress and amount of time needed to complete a programme will be dependent on the number of weekly sessions, initial skill level, and whether or not the student has a language-based learning difference. Typically, intensive intervention (4-5 sessions per week of 1-2 hours each) leads to remediation of reading difficulties within months. Less intensive intervention (2 hours per week) usually requires an instructional commitment of between 1-2.5 years. If parents wish to add sessions to the required two, they may do so subject to the availability of sessions. Whether students participate in less or more intensive intervention, the goal will be to facilitate efficient learning without compromising instructional quality.
Mode of Delivery
Instruction is delivered virtually, and students will require access to a computer or tablet with a high-speed Internet connection and a pair of headphones/earphones. Younger students may need to be supervised by an adult in their physical location. Currently, all sessions are one-to-one.
If you are interested in having your child participate in any of these programmes, the Booking page will explain how to proceed.
