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Sunny asks about:
Getting Help for a 1st Grader at School
" I have a 6-year-old that was low in reading when
entering first grade and now is not making progress. How
do I get special services when all of the reading spots are
filled. There is no help in the classroom."
Thank you for writing, Sunny. I understand your concern, and you are right to look for special services to help your child. I would be doing the same in your situation! I'm especially disheartened by the lack of support in your child's classroom. Ideally, first grade is bustling with strong reading instruction, and steady, happy progress. In lieu of that, let's take a look at some options.
I know in the state where I live, reading specialists are funded with state monies, and that there are no binding rules about who and how many students must be served. Thus some children, like your child, are left without the help they need. However, federal funds, which are received by every school, are different in that all children who qualify for services under certain categories must be served by a specialist. No one can be left without the help they need. The categories all fall under the umbrella of "learning disabilities," and I'm not sure if you feel this could apply to your child. But please don't let the term frighten you. Many very bright children meet the qualifications, which in simple terms means that their school performance in one or more areas, such as word attack skills, reading fluency, or reading comprehension, is significantly lower than one would expect, given their IQ. Testing by your school's psychologist would determine if this is true for your child, and as s a tax payer, you are entitled to this testing. Ask your school's secretary for the protocol at your school.
Other than the federal program mentioned above, since your school is unable to provide help for your first grader, you may need to seek outside tutoring. Finding a great tutor may take a little work, but networking with other moms will, hopefully, bring some recommendations your way. Also, there are some fun and very helpful reading programs you can work on at home using your computer, such as the award-winning Reader Rabbit Series. I know many, many children and parents love these well designed, motivating, and success-driven programs.
I'm saddened by the struggles you and your child have faced so far this year, Sunny. Nothing is worse than watching your child fall behind, and to feel powerless to make things better. May these ideas help you find the support you desire, and may success for your child begin very soon.
