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Dyslexia Tutoring Programs for Children — Fort Lauderdale & Davie, FL

Orton-Gillingham based instruction that addresses the root cause of reading challenges — not just the symptoms.

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences — and one of the most misunderstood. Children with dyslexia are not struggling because they’re not smart or not trying. They’re struggling because their brain processes written language differently, and standard reading instruction wasn’t designed with them in mind. At The Learning Lab, we use structured literacy methods — including Orton-Gillingham based programs — to teach dyslexic learners the way their brains actually work. We serve children ages 6–14 across Fort Lauderdale and Davie, FL.

Why Regular Tutoring Doesn't Work for Dyslexia

If your child has been in general tutoring without meaningful progress, it’s not because tutoring doesn’t work. It’s because dyslexia requires a specific type of instruction that most tutors aren’t trained to provide.

Standard tutoring repeats what school already does — more reading, more practice, more of the same approach. For a child whose brain processes phonics and written language differently, more of the same produces more of the same result.

Effective dyslexia instruction is:

  • Structured and systematic — taught in a specific, step-by-step sequence
  • Explicit — nothing is assumed; every skill is directly taught
  • Multisensory — using sight, sound, and movement together to build stronger neural pathways
  • Based on how the brain learns to decode language, not how curriculum is organized

 

This approach — known as structured literacy — is the method recommended by the International Dyslexia Association and backed by decades of reading science research.

Children playing with blocks

How The Learning Lab Teaches Dyslexic Learners

We don’t use a one-size-fits-all program. After an initial screening, we match each child to the method that best fits their age, reading level, and specific profile. Here are the programs we use:

Barton Reading and Spelling System

An Orton-Gillingham based program widely recognized as one of the most effective structured literacy approaches for students with dyslexia. Barton teaches reading and spelling step by step — from sounds and letter patterns to full fluency — using multisensory methods that make concepts stick.

Wilson Just Words

Designed for older students — typically 4th grade and up — who haven’t yet built the foundational decoding and spelling skills they need. Wilson Just Words targets word recognition and spelling at the root level, using the same explicit, structured approach.

Seeing Stars

Many children with dyslexia struggle to picture letters and words in their mind — a skill called orthographic processing. Seeing Stars builds this ability directly, strengthening both phonics and spelling in a way that supports long-term reading fluency.

Foundation in Sounds

For younger learners who are just beginning to read, Foundation in Sounds builds phonemic awareness — the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. This is the foundational skill that all reading is built on, and it’s the first place dyslexia shows up.

Fast ForWord

A science-based digital program with over 300 research studies behind it. Fast ForWord targets the cognitive processing skills that underlie reading: memory, attention, and auditory processing speed. Students who use Fast ForWord consistently gain up to two years of reading progress in 40–60 hours of use.

Types of Dyslexia We Support

Dyslexia shows up differently in different children. Our screening helps us identify each child’s specific profile so instruction targets the right skills.

We work with students who experience:

  • Difficulty sounding out new words — even after repeated practice (phonological dyslexia)
  • Trouble recognizing common words by sight, despite seeing them many times (surface dyslexia)
  • Slow processing of letters and words, affecting reading speed and fluency (rapid naming challenges)
  • Inconsistent spelling — the same word written differently each time
  • Strong verbal comprehension paired with weak reading or written expression

 

A child doesn’t need a specific dyslexia subtype diagnosis to benefit from our programs. What matters is identifying where the gaps are and matching instruction to those gaps.

children being taught by adults at school

What to Do After a Dyslexia Diagnosis

If your child was recently diagnosed with dyslexia, you may be feeling overwhelmed — or relieved to finally have an answer, or both. Here’s a practical guide to the next steps:

  •  A dyslexia diagnosis is not a ceiling. It’s an explanation — and the first step toward the right kind of support. 1. Take a breath.
  •  Dyslexia varies. Understanding exactly where your child’s reading challenges are is essential before choosing a program. Learning Lab’s screening does this. 2. Get a clear picture of your child’s specific profile.
  •  Early intervention makes a significant difference. The sooner dyslexia-specific instruction begins, the faster the brain builds compensating pathways. 3. Start specialized instruction as soon as possible.
  •  Children with dyslexia may be entitled to an IEP or 504 Plan. We can help you navigate those conversations. 4. Understand your child’s school rights.
  •  Not all reading programs are created equal. Look for explicit, systematic, multisensory instruction — the methods with the strongest research behind them for dyslexia. 5. Choose a program that uses structured literacy.
  •  Reading progress for dyslexic learners is real — but it takes time and consistency. Celebrate smaller milestones along the way. 6. Be patient and consistent.

Is This Right for My Child?

You may be in the right place if your child:

  • Struggles to sound out new or unfamiliar words, even after practice
  • Reads slowly or avoids reading whenever possible
  • Spells the same word differently every time they write it
  • Understands stories when they’re read aloud but struggles to read independently
  • Has been told they have a reading challenge or has received a dyslexia diagnosis
  • Has tried general tutoring or school reading programs without lasting improvement
  • Is starting to feel like reading is “just not for them”

 

A formal dyslexia diagnosis is not required to enroll. Many families come to us with concerns before a diagnosis is in place. Our screening helps us build the right plan regardless.

Parenting is a remarkable journey, and raising a child with learning difficulties adds challenges and rewards. Navigating this path requires a balanced approach to discipline that supports your child's emotional growth while addressing their unique needs. The mindful discipline approach offers an empowering and compassionate solution, combining mindfulness, empathy, and emotional awareness to help children develop essential life skills and cultivate resilience. In this article, we will delve into the principles of mindful discipline, discuss its benefits for children, and provide practical guidance for implementing this approach in your parenting journey. By embracing mindful discipline, you'll help your child overcome obstacles and nurture a stronger, more trusting parent-child relationship. What Is Mindful Discipline? A mindful discipline is a holistic approach to discipline that focuses on self-awareness, empathy, and communication. The foundation of this method is mindfulness: the practice of being fully present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment. By incorporating mindfulness, parents can be more emotionally responsive to their children's needs and help them develop essential life skills, such as self-regulation, empathy, and resilience. Mindful discipline encourages parents to understand the underlying reasons for their child's behavior and work together to address these issues in a supportive and constructive manner. Benefits Of Mindful Discipline For Children With Learning Difficulties Children with learning difficulties often face unique challenges affecting their behavior and emotional well-being. Mindful discipline can help address these issues by: Enhancing self-regulation. Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. For children with learning difficulties, self-regulation can be challenging. Mindful discipline teaches children to recognize their feelings, understand their actions, and make appropriate choices. Fostering resilience. Resilience is the ability to cope with adversity and bounce back from difficulties. Mindful discipline promotes resilience by helping children develop a growth mindset, in which they view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats or failures. Strengthening the parent-child relation. The mindful discipline emphasizes empathy and connection, fostering a positive parent-child relationship built on trust, understanding, and open communication. How To Implement Mindful Discipline With Your Child To introduce mindful discipline into your parenting, consider the following strategies. Practice Mindfulness Yourself As a parent, practicing mindfulness in your daily life is essential. Start by setting aside time for mindful activities, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. This will help you develop the skills necessary to fully present and respond to your child's needs. Observe Your Child’s Behavior Take a step back and observe your child's behavior without judgment or reaction. This will help you understand the underlying reasons for their actions, enabling you to address these issues compassionately and constructively. Encourage Emotional Awareness Help your child identify and express their emotions. Encourage them to name their feelings and discuss the causes and consequences of their actions. By developing their emotional vocabulary, children become better equipped to self-regulate and navigate social situations. Establish Healthy Boundaries And Expectations Set clear, age-appropriate boundaries and expectations for your child, and communicate these consistently. Be sure to offer praise and encouragement when your child meets these expectations and provide support and guidance when they struggle.  Use Collaborative Problem-Solving When addressing behavior issues, use collaborative problem-solving techniques to involve your child in finding a solution. This approach encourages children to take ownership of their actions and promotes a sense of empowerment and responsibility. Foster A Growth Mindset Encourage your child to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats or failures. Reinforce the idea that learning and improvement are ongoing processes, and celebrate their efforts and progress along the way. By cultivating a growth mindset, you'll help your child develop resilience and a positive attitude toward learning and self-improvement. Be Consistent And Patient Consistency is vital to mindful discipline. It's essential to be consistent with your expectations, boundaries, and consequences to help your child internalize and understand the rules. Remember, change takes time, and it's essential to be patient and understanding as your child adjusts to this new approach. Seek Professional Support Don't hesitate to seek professional support if you're struggling to implement mindful discipline with your child or are concerned about their emotional well-being. A therapist or counselor can help provide guidance, resources, and additional strategies to support you and your child. Give Mindful Discipline A Try Mindful discipline offers a compassionate, empathetic, and practical approach to parenting, particularly for children with learning difficulties. Focusing on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and open communication can help your child develop essential life skills, foster resilience, and build a trusting relationship.  Remember that change takes time, and implementing mindful discipline requires patience, persistence, and commitment from you and your child. Working together will create a supportive and nurturing environment where your child can thrive and reach their full potential.

What to Expect

We start with a screening to understand exactly where your child is — their reading level, the specific skills they’re missing, and how they learn best.

From there:

  • We match your child to the program that fits their age, level, and learning profile
  • Instruction is one-on-one and moves at your child’s pace — not the curriculum’s
  • Parents receive regular progress updates throughout the program
  • We work in collaboration with your child’s school and IEP team when helpful

 

Reading progress for dyslexic learners is real — but it doesn’t happen overnight. What we offer is an evidence-based approach delivered by trained specialists who understand how your child’s brain works. Many of our students begin to feel more confident at school before their grades even change.

Parent Stories

Stefanie Mingel

Stefanie Mingel

I cannot say enough good things about the Learning Lab. My daughter worked 1:1 with April, who is absolutely amazing and hands down the best tutor she’s ever worked with. I have also seen other kids coming in and out, and I’ve never seen so many smiling, happy kids walking into tutoring! It is such a special place filled with caring, nurturing and skilled teachers.

Lorraine Poling

Lorraine Poling

I highly recommend Learning Lab! All of the instructors are so wonderful and encouraging. My daughter has developed a special bond with her instructor and she has helped her jump up three grade levels in her reading and writing skills in only one year! My daughter’s confidence has improved tremendously and she now loves to read and write stories! Learning Lab has been a blessing to our family!

Karen Lehman

Karen Lehman

“My daughter started Learning Lab in January 2020 after I had to pull her out of her school because they could not accommodate her learning issues. It was the best decision I ever made. The Learning Lab is amazing, my daughter went up 1 grade level in reading in 6 months and is actually reading chapter books on her own now. I can’t wait to see how they are going to help my son catch up on math and prepare him for middle school over the summer.”

Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship

The Learning Lab is an approved provider for the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship. Families of eligible students — including those with dyslexia and related learning differences — may be able to use scholarship funding to offset the cost of our programs.

Visit Step Up for Students at stepupforstudents.org to learn about eligibility and begin the application process. Our team can provide the documentation and support you need along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a formal ADHD diagnosis to enroll?

No. A formal diagnosis is helpful but not required. Many families come to us with concerns about reading or spelling before a diagnosis is in place. Our screening process identifies the specific challenges and helps us build the right plan.

We work with students in grades K–8, typically ages 6–14.

Schools provide general reading instruction designed for the full classroom. Dyslexia-specific instruction is one-on-one, uses a different teaching approach entirely, and targets the neurological root of the reading challenge — not just reading practice.

 It depends on the child, the severity of the challenge, and the consistency of attendance. Some students make significant gains within 3–6 months. Others need a longer runway. We set honest expectations from the start and track progress throughout.

 Yes. Several of our programs — including the Barton Reading and Spelling System — are based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, which is the research-backed gold standard for dyslexia instruction.

Yes. Our programs are designed to complement your child’s school experience. We work around school schedules and collaborate with teachers and IEP teams when it’s helpful.

Many of our students have overlapping challenges. We assess each child individually and can address both dyslexia and ADHD-related needs — either through the same program or a combination of programs.

Book a free call with our team. We’ll talk about your child, answer your questions, and figure out whether The Learning Lab is the right fit.

Ready to Find the Right Support for Your Child?

Every child with dyslexia can make real reading progress — with the right instruction. We’d love to learn about your child and talk through how The Learning Lab can help. Book a free call with our team. No pressure, no commitment.

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