Parents Resources
It can be difficult to watch your child work so hard to learn to read. You know how bright and capable they are, yet reading, spelling, and written language don't come easily. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and there is hope. nstruction is individualized to meet their specific needs and build on their strengths.
At Thrive Structured Literacy, I provide specialized dyslexia intervention through structured literacy, an evidence-based approach that helps students develop the skills needed for accurate, fluent reading and confident spelling.
Each lesson includes phonemic awarenss, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehesion. These are the the five components of reading identified by the National Reading Panel as the elements of effective reading instruction.
My goal extends beyond improving reading skills. I want every student to gain confidence, experience success, and discover that they are capable of learning and thriving. Together, we can create a plan that helps your child move forward with greater independence and self-confidence.
What Should Parents Look for When Choosing a Dyslexia Specialist?
Finding the right dyslexia specialist for your child is an important decision. Not all reading tutors or literacy interventionists have the specialized training necessary to work with students who have dyslexia. While many educators have experience teaching reading, effective dyslexia intervention requires a deeper understanding of language structure, reading development, and the specific challenges students with dyslexia may experience.
When searching for a dyslexia specialist, parents should look for professional training in Structured Literacy and Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE), as well as credentials that demonstrate specialized knowledge and clinical experience. Organizations such as the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), and the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) provide recognized standards, training pathways, and professional certifications for educators and therapists working with students with reading difficulties.
Understanding Professional Credentials
There are several organizations and credentials parents may encounter when researching dyslexia intervention:
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
The International Dyslexia Association establishes the Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading. These standards outline the essential knowledge and skills needed to provide effective, evidence-based reading instruction. Parents may want to look for specialists who have completed training through an IDA-accredited program or hold a credential aligned with IDA's professional standards. IDA accredits training programs and establishes professional standards.
Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI)
CERI offers professional certifications for individuals specializing in structured literacy and dyslexia intervention. These credentials demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction and, depending on the certification pathway, may include a supervised practicum. CERI credentials include Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) and Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS). CERI provides individual certification pathways.
Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA)
ALTA certifies professionals who provide Multisensory Structured Language Education. Two credentials parents may encounter are:
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CALP (Certified Academic Language Practitioner): A professional who has completed practitioner-level training and supervised clinical teaching in multisensory structured language instruction.
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CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist): A highly trained professional who has completed comprehensive therapy-level training, including extensive coursework, supervised clinical practicum, and competency requirements.
ALTA training emphasizes the systematic, explicit, and multisensory teaching of language skills necessary for reading, spelling, and written expression.
ALTA provides individual certification pathways.
What Else Should Parents Consider?
Beyond credentials, it is important to ask about a specialist's educational background, training program, supervised teaching experience, and ongoing professional development. Parents should also ask how instruction is individualized, how progress is monitored, and whether reading and spelling are addressed together.
A qualified dyslexia specialist should understand that effective intervention is more than following a particular curriculum. It requires the ability to analyze student errors, identify areas of difficulty, adjust instruction, and provide systematic, cumulative practice based on each child's individual needs.
At Thrive Structured Literacy, I believe that every child deserves instruction delivered by a knowledgeable, well-trained professional who understands the complexities of dyslexia. My goal is to provide individualized, evidence-based literacy intervention that helps students develop essential reading and spelling skills while building confidence in their abilities.
Resources for Families
The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
Our mission is to increase awareness of dyslexia and its true nature, specifically to illuminate the creative and intellectual strengths of those with dyslexia, to disseminate the latest scientific research and practical resources, and to transform the treatment of all dyslexic children and adults.
How to spot, support & empower your dyslexic child.
Dyslexia involves both challenges—such as reading, writing, and spelling and valuable strengths, including creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking. Early identification, positive encouragement, multisensory teaching, and supportive technology can help dyslexic children build confidence and thrive.