RESOURCES FOR CONCERNED FAMILIES (AGES 5+)
C0NCERNED YOUR CHILD ISN'T MEETING THE MILEST0NES?
Every student is unique and will progress differently. However, if you have concerns about your child's reading progress don't delay in seeking answers and help.
Remember that with the right support and enough practice, nearly every child can learn to read well. If your child is not meeting the literacy milestones for their grade-level, here are a few steps to start with:
Request a meeting with the teacher. Ask:
1. What literacy milestones has my child mastered, and which are they struggling with?
2. Is my child reading on grade level? What are you working on at school to get them up to grade level?
3. How can I support at home?
If you're still not seeing progress, request a meeting at school - often called a Coordination of Services Team (COST) or a Student Success Team Meeting (SST).
Share your concerns and ask what additional resources that may be available through your school.
If you're still not seeing progress after implementing the plan from the SST, you may want to request an assessment in writing.
An assessment is a comprehensive set of tests and observations about your child's learning abilities, to determine if they have a learning difference that may qualify them for extra services.
“1 in 5 kids in the U.S. struggle with issues related to reading, writing, math, focus and organization. These kids with learning issues are as smart as their peers, but too many aren’t getting the support they need to succeed.”
– National Centers for Learning Disabilities
CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS
Every staff member at Family Resource Navigators is also a parent or guardian of a child with developmental delays, disabilities or special health care needs.
They offer support groups, guidance about services, help with paperwork playgroups and more.
You can call their warmline and get support in 12 different languages.
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SIGNS TO WATCH FOR THAT A CHILD MAY STRUGGLE WITH READING
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS:
SCHEDULE A COMPREHENSIVE EYE AND EAR EXAM
THEIR STRENGTHS DEFINE THEM
KEEP READING: C0NTINUE TO BUILD THEIR READING SKILLS WITH PATIENCE
GET HELP SO0NER THAN LATER
CONCERNED YOUR CHILD MIGHT HAVE DYSLEXIA?
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability and causes difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling. Dyslexia is not a reflection of a child's intelligence. With proper support, dyslexic students can learn to read and do very well in school.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD BE CONCERNED?
It is estimated that as much as 20% of the population experiences some reading disability. When children are in Kindergarten and 1st Grade, it can be difficult to tease out whether they will eventually catch on or if they are truly facing a disability. There are some telltale signs that a trained educator or specialist can detect.
Some students have not had effective reading instruction. Other children have not had adequate exposure to reading before Kindergarten, while some children may have a reading disability, such as dyslexia, which makes reading very challenging. There are some children who face all of these scenarios combined!
The good news is that children can overcome their difficulties with the right support from trained educators and specialists. Reading disabilities are not related to a child’s intelligence.