• Education
  • Parenting

Help available for kids who learn differently

Posted
A young child holds printed, laminated sight words on their lap such as "go," "I" and "here."
Children learn at different paces, especially when starting to read. Developmental delays, late exposure to a classroom setting and language barriers can play a part. But what if there’s something more? 

Learning disabilities are extremely common in children but can be a challenge to identify. Intelligence is not a factor and struggles at school can be masked by good behavior and success in extracurricular activities.  

Dr. Jim Forgan, Ph.D., a licensed school psychologist with a private practice in Jupiter, says it’s important for parents to remain proactive and trust their instincts. 

“When it comes to learning to read, time is of the essence. Early support and help are critical to prevent a huge gap from occurring between your child’s reading and their peers’ reading.”

Parents should keep open communication with your child’s teacher to ensure additional support. If your child continues to struggle, ask the school counselor about requesting a formal evaluation and testing opportunities, as well as the proper procedures to follow if diagnosed.  

Most importantly, parents should focus on being caring and compassionate so they can help reduce their child's stress and frustration.

“If your child receives reading instruction in school and special tutoring after school, at home make reading enjoyable,” Forgan says. “Reinforce your child’s effort more than any test grade.”  

Outside of school, there are excellent local resources to help improve reading skills and comprehension levels, including the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. Their mission is to “improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy” says Kristin Calder, Chief Executive Officer.  

“We have nine (9) direct service literacy programs, serving from birth to adulthood across Palm Beach County. Many of our programs are specifically for individuals working to overcome reading struggles,” Calder says. 

These literacy programs are also offered to everyone, with or without a learning disability. 

One of the Literacy Coalition’s programs that specifically caters to elementary school-aged children is ‘Building Better Readers.’ This is offered in select elementary schools with teacher referral, after school, throughout summer, virtually, and on-site at the ‘Blume Literacy Center’ in Boynton Beach.  

“Trained volunteers provide one-on-one literacy tutoring for children in first through fourth grade, working to develop their reading and comprehension skills while also fostering a love of reading,” Calder says. “The overall goal of the program is that 70% of the students tutored finish the school year at least 50% closer to grade level. We have achieved or surpassed that goal every year since the program’s inception.”

SOURCES



You May Also Like

    • Behavior
    • Education

    Gifted with a learning disability, twice-exceptional students require a special touch

    Students who are considered twice exceptional, meaning they are gifted but also have a learning disability, are gaining more attention nationally and locally as teachers and counse …

    Read More
    • Behavior
    • Parenting

    Video: Parenting Tips: What is Descriptive Praise?

    Descriptive praise can a powerful tool for a parent to encourage good behavior. By providing attention to your child when they are behaving well, it increases the chances of that b …

    Read More
    • Behavior
    • Education
    • Parenting

    Why is a strong foundation in reading crucial by third grade?

    During early school years, children focus on learning to read. But once children hit third grade, they begin reading to learn. That means if children can’t read well, they will fal …

    Read More

Related resources

    • Education
    • Health

    School District of Palm Beach County

    Child Find — screening, evaluation, services and placement of children with special learning needs

    561-434-7337 Website
    • Education

    Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County

    Countywide programs to promote literacy for children and adults

    561-279-9103 Website
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Things to do

    BRIDGES of Palm Beach County

    Ten neighborhood hubs help parents raise children healthy, safe and strong

    561-740-7017 Website