FOR AGES 5–7
Reading Readiness Check-Up
An Early Reading Check-Up to Help Raise Strong Readers
Just as a pediatrician checks in on a child’s health during a physical, our Reading Readiness Check-Up takes an inventory of a child’s foundational literacy skills at a critical time in their learning life. Early reading skills make all future learning possible, and catching issues early on will have positive long-term effects.
After the check-up—a one-on-one virtual session with a clinician trained in reading assessment—we provide a follow-up written report, feedback session, instructional videos, and resources with easy-to-follow directions and activities to support a child’s reading development.
The Reading Readiness Check-Up is being piloted with early education partners through early 2024, after which we will make it available to the wider community. Please contact us below for more information about the Check-Up and its launch.
Learning How to Read is Harder Than You Think
While some children learn how to read with apparent ease, others struggle to learn the alphabet and recognize words. Learning how to read forces us all to create new neural pathways in our brains, connecting areas we’ve never connected before: processing speech sounds, linking sounds and symbols, and generating meaning. It takes clear instruction and deliberate practice to learn how to read. That’s why it’s so important to nurture every child’s early reading skills and identify any issues early on.
Developed by Leading Literacy Experts
For nearly 40 years, the Stern Center for Language and Learning has provided comprehensive evaluations and assessments for learners of all ages. As the demand for assessments soars and nationwide reading scores decline, we’re launching this highly targeted check-up to identify early reading trouble, develop essential reading skills, and share proven literacy resources.
Personalized Guidance and Resources to Support Early Reading
Through our written report, feedback session, and follow-up resources, we provide easy-to-follow recommendations and activities to support a child’s reading development. We tailor our resources to each child’s specific learning needs and share information to help families advocate for their kids.
How it Works:
Initial Contact
Getting started is easy. When you reach out to us, our team will ask about your child, explain our process, and schedule the 1:1 virtual check-up.
Reading Readiness Check-Up
At first, we’ll get to know you and your child online. Our expert will take an inventory of your child’s literacy skills with play-based interactions involving sounds and letters.
Feedback & Written Report
Shortly after the check-up, we’ll answer your questions during a feedback session and provide a report outlining your child’s current abilities and areas where they need extra support.
Helpful Reading Resources
We’ll send links to resources with easy-to-follow recommendations tailored to your child’s reading development.
Signs of Reading Trouble in a Pre-K or Kindergarten Student:
- Has trouble making connections between letters and sounds or remembering the alphabet.
- Demonstrates a limited vocabulary compared to children the same age.
- Has trouble sounding out words or recognizing familiar sight words.
- Has difficulty with rhyming.
A Helpful Check-Up and Expert Advice When You Need It
Learning how to read is challenging for nearly 40% of children, but with early help, most reading problems can be prevented.
Get Answers and Help Right Away
When it comes to reading, early intervention is key. Waiting until a child is struggling in third or fourth grade often makes catching up much harder.
Find Solutions for Your Child
We’ll identify areas where your child needs support and direct you to evidence-based solutions and resources relevant to your child’s learning needs.
Access an Easy and Affordable Service
Comprehensive evaluations can cost thousands of dollars and involve waitlists of a year or more in major cities. We designed this targeted check-up to offer help right away.
What Learners Have to Say
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a payment plan?
We’ll provide you with a contract and invoice which can be paid in full by our deadline or managed through a payment plan that spreads the cost of services over several months.
Are there other sources of financial assistance?
There are other sources that may assist with the financing of Stern Center Services. These include your school or school district, employer, Hireability Vermont, VSAC, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, health insurance provider, and others. Please note, we are not an insurance provider and do not bill insurance.
Do you accept insurance?
While we are not an insurance provider and do not bill insurance, we encourage you to contact your insurance provider to see if your plan covers specific services, such as psychoeducational evaluations, speech and language assessments, and speech therapy provided by a non-network, non-insurance billing provider. Please note that learning services like instruction aren’t typically covered by insurance. If you learn from your insurer that coverage is an option, we will provide you with appropriate documentation for you to submit to your insurance carrier.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Contact us to register for services and let us know you are interested in applying for financial assistance. We’ll ask you to complete a short application, which our team will review to determine the amount of financial assistance we can offer. After reviewing your application, we’ll notify you of our decision within a few days and apply your award directly as a scholarship discount.
Does the Stern Center offer financial assistance?
Yes. Through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and foundations, we can award need-based scholarships and provide additional assistance. Awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page and let us know if you want to apply for financial assistance when you register for services.
Do I (or my child) need an evaluation to start instruction?
You don’t need an evaluation to start instruction sessions. Our team will examine your strengths and challenges and tailor treatment to meet your needs. To learn more about evaluations and testing at the Stern Center, visit our Evaluations page, email evaluation@sterncenter.org, or call 802-276-8681.
What is your cancellation policy for instructional services?
The Stern Center has committed significant resources to meet the needs of students by guaranteeing instructional times and individualized instructional programs. For this reason, full or partial withdrawal during the semester will result in a pro-rated decrease of the fee paid, less a $100 administrative charge. No refund will be made for the first semester after November 1 or the second semester after March 28th. Exceptions to this withdrawal policy may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
How much does instruction cost?
Fees range in scale based on the service we’re offering. Our highly trained experts provide individualized, research-based instruction for each student. Through the generous support of our donors, we can offer need-based scholarships to those who qualify for financial assistance. These awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page for more information and contact us about our range of services.
Do you offer instruction off-site?
Yes, Stern Center instructors may be able to provide instruction at schools and work sites. We also offer lessons online.
Do you offer summer instruction?
Yes, we offer six weeks of intensive instruction in reading, writing, math, and organizational skills over the summer, either in person or online. For more information about these sessions, please visit our Summer Learning page.
Does the instructor collaborate with my child’s teacher(s)?
Yes, with a parent or guardian’s permission, the instructor will collaborate with a student’s school teacher(s) and team.
How do you teach reading?
We teach what the National Reading Panel calls the BIG FIVE: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We do it through a structured literacy approach, which means that the teaching is explicit, systematic, and sequential.
When can I begin instruction?
You may begin instruction at any time during the school year and continue into the summer. You may also participate in our six-week long summer program.
What is the frequency and length of your instruction sessions?
The number and length of sessions are based on individual needs, schedules, and program requirements. Most students come for one or two hours of instruction per week during the school year in their area of academic need.
We Believe Everyone Has the Right to Read
When it comes to literacy and equity, it’s clear that our nation’s students need more from us all. Only 32% of U.S. fourth-graders are proficient readers, reading below the proficient level. For fourth-graders whose families qualify for free and reduced lunch, the proficiency rate is 19%.
Despite the hard work and effort of teachers to meet student needs, these statistics challenge us to take a closer look at what we can do to be more effective. 95% of students can learn to read using structured literacy principles, regardless of their background. Together, we can provide every student with a lifelong foundation of literacy.
Additional Support
Evaluations
We help people understand how they learn so they can overcome challenges and move forward academically, professionally, and socially.
Tutoring Services
We offer expert instruction and intervention in reading, writing, math, and more in one-to-one sessions tailored to a learner’s needs.
Social-Emotional Learning
Through direct teaching, coaching, and practice, our social learning experts help individuals learn the fundamental building blocks of social success.
