We're currently on a WAITLIST. Applications are being accepted for rolling enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of students do you work with?
Our program is designed to help children and adults who have dyslexia, a learning difference, and/or a verbal learning disability.
If you have a struggling reader, please reach out. If we can help you, we will.
Does it matter where a student goes to school?
Not at all. We work with individuals who can commit to attending twice-weekly tutoring sessions on a regular basis.
Sessions are typically held at the DRC office in Pine Grove Mills, just southwest of State College.
Of course, in-person tutoring is ideal, but thanks to technology, our tutors may also be available for remote sessions, which has allowed us to expand our reach to students in other counties.
How can a student be admitted to the program?
The DRC works hard to ensure our program and tutors are the right fit for you.
Typically, be prepared to submit the following:
- Evaluation Report if your child has been tested (a dyslexia diagnosis it not required, but if you have an ER, our Admissions Committee would like to see them)
- current 504/IEP Plan, if you have one
- a writing sample from your child (something they've written at school)
Please contact us to learn how to apply to our program.
What is the curriculum?
Our tutors are trained in the Orton-Gillingham® Method, and students receive individually-tailored lessons that build upon each quantifiable step forward. Lessons are multisensory and designed to reinforce already-achieved skills while developing new ones.
Please contact us for a more detailed discussion of our approach.
How often do students receive tutoring?
Students, with the help of their parents/guardians, commit to attending two 1-hour tutoring sessions each week for the duration of each DRC term that the student is enrolled in.
Sessions are generally held after school on weekdays.
Our typical school year (Sept-May) consists of approximately 60 1-hour sessions.
How long do students stay in the program?
Students generally participate in our program for two years.
However, since each student learns differently, the time they spend in the program also varies.
Do you test for dyslexia?
We do not.
To get a diagnosis for dyslexia, the testing needs to be conducted by a licensed professional, such as a Neuropsychologist or the Educational Psychologist at your child's school.
To receive tutoring services at the DRC, neither neuropsychological nor psychoeducational test results are required. However, if you have them, they would be helpful to include when applying for our program.
If you would like to get testing done, we recommend starting at your child's school. In Pennsylvania, schools are required, by law, to conduct an evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving a parent's written request.