Frequently Asked Questions

1. What differentiates the Reading Therapy Center, Inc. from traditional tutoring or learning centers?

Tutoring involves assisting the student with “subjects” or curriculum requirements in the classroom. It involves re-teaching the material from school and helping the student complete the assignments.

Therapy involves an intensive treatment approach that addresses and changes the underlying weakness or weaknesses a student has. It is a cognitive (brain-changing) approach that allows a child to overcome their weakness rather than just learn strategies to cope with it.

2. Is there a guarantee?

Because each student has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, it is difficult to calculate an exact success rate. However, we are able to determine through an extensive assessment, observation, and interviews which, if any, therapy programs are needed to address presenting difficulties. While we cannot give a solid guarantee as to progress, we fully understand your need for this assurance. Therefore, we have a list of parent references available from our former clients. These parents are willing to answer any questions you may have regarding their experience at the Reading Therapy Center, Inc.

We have years of experience measuring student progress during therapy and we make it a regular priority to update and involve parents in their child’s therapy.

3. How do you determine if therapy is needed?

Prior to therapy, all students receive a complete and thorough evaluation. Students are given between 8 and 10 tests that measure the following areas: reading comprehension, oral comprehension, phonological processing (including phonemic awareness), reading, spelling, vocabulary, receptive and expressive language ability and rapid naming.

Parents who have concerns about their child’s mathematical ability may request a math assessment as well. These students are given two to three math tests measuring the following areas: numeration, computation, rational numbers, problem solving, measurement and money.

Immediately following the assessment the parents and examiner will meet for approximately one hour. Testing results will be interpreted and explained at this time and recommendations made for a treatment if needed. A written report will follow.

4. How do you know if the therapy is working?

The staff at the Reading Therapy Center, Inc. have years of experience measuring day-to-day progress. A student’s progress, at each therapy level, is recorded daily. Parent observation is highly encouraged by staff. This allows them to observe progress and see the techniques that are being used. At the end of a therapy contract each student receives a complete post-evaluation. This gives us an objective measure to determine a student’s progress and current skill levels.

5. How often would my child come to the Reading Therapy Center for therapy?

We see students one on one for no less than two hours a day, 4 days a week. If students come from a greater distance we may see them for up to 4 hours per day. We do this because it is the most effective way to change the problem.

6. What if we live four or more hours away from the Reading Therapy Center, Inc.?

We have had families stay at the Grand Cottages Bed and Breakfast while their child attends therapy for the week. They will usually go home on weekends and return Sunday evening or Monday morning. The Reading Therapy Center, Inc. is housed out of the upper level of Grand Cottages Bed and Breakfast, so it is very convenient. Lower lodging rates are offered for students and their families.

7. Do children come out of school to attend the Reading Therapy Center, Inc?

Yes, we are open from 7:30-5:00, Monday through Thursday. The therapy that we do is very intense and we do not want the child to be tired when they attend. Schools are usually helpful and accommodating in allowing this to happen.

8. How long do students attend the Reading Therapy Center?

This depends on the severity of a student’s processing difficulties. Some children have only one area of difficulty while others have multiple difficulties. After the initial evaluation, we will explain our recommendations for a therapy plan, including an estimation of the minimum amount of hours needed. On average, our contracts range from 80-120 hours per area addressed.

We see dramatic results in only a few months for these reasons:

• We utilize sensory-cognitive therapies which correct the cause of the problem, rather than the traditional approach of re-teaching the same skills.

• The therapies are provided intensively, in a 1-1 setting, 2-4 hours a day.

• The therapies re-train the brain, which in turn corrects the underlying problem.

• Each of our therapists have between 9-15 years of extensive training and experience using the Lindamood-Bell™ approaches
  

9. How do you include and inform parents while their child is at the Reading Therapy Center?

We strongly encourage parents to observe their child frequently during therapy sessions. In this way we can explain the therapy techniques we are using and answer any questions you may have. It also allows you the opportunity to see the types of things your child is doing and they are able to “show off” their newly learned skills to you.

We also have parent informational workshops throughout the year. These are 1-day workshops that provide parents with the most current information on reading, spelling, comprehension, language, and math difficulties. We strongly encourage parents to attend a 1-day workshop, as it will help them better understand their child’s difficulties while providing a place to ask questions and network with other parents.

10. How are your therapists trained?

Each of our therapists has extensive and multiple trainings in all of the Lindamood-Bell® remedial programs. In addition to Lindamood-Bell trainings, the therapists at RTC strive to remain current on the latest research and information about reading, comprehension, language, and math disabilities, by attending other various conferences and workshops.

The therapists at Reading Therapy Center, Inc. have over 35 years of combined experience using the Lindamood-Bell® therapies in intensive 1-1 settings. We utilize each others knowledge and experience each day during staff meetings and discussions.

*"[Trademark or Service Mark (i.e. Lindamood-Bell®)] is a [trademark/service mark] of Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes® ("LBLP"). LBLP in no way guarantees the quality of the materials or services that may be supplied by Reading Therapy Center, Inc. Reading Therapy Center, Inc. is not affiliated with, certified, licensed, monitored or sponsored by LBLP, Nanci Bell, Phyllis Lindamood or Pat Lindamood." http://www.lblp.com