FAQs for Parents
This website has text to speech.
We know parents often have many questions when looking for the right support for their child. Here are answers to some of the most common ones we hear at Educational Therapy Center.
Can ETC’s tutoring programs work for students without a diagnosis of dyslexia?
Yes. Our program is for any student who struggles with reading, writing, spelling, fluency, or comprehension.
- A formal diagnosis of dyslexia is not required.
- We encourage families to schedule a Skills Assessment to gain insight into strengths and challenges; however, it does not commit you to tutoring (or tutoring with us).
What makes Educational Therapy Center different from other tutoring services?
At ETC, we do remediation, not just repetition.
- Every session is individualized for your child.
- Tutors use multisensory techniques (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
- We directly teach concepts, moving “as fast as we can but as slow as we must.”
- Instruction follows a scope and sequence to make sure every language rule is taught.
- We strengthen phonological awareness — often a key missing skill — so students build lasting literacy.
This approach helps students who have struggled with traditional teaching methods finally succeed.
What is Orton-Gillingham (OG)?
The Orton-Gillingham Approach is the gold standard for teaching students with dyslexia and reading challenges.
- Direct and structured – every step is taught explicitly.
- Flexible – if a student already knows a concept, we move forward.
- Multisensory – students see, hear, say, and write as they learn.
- Phonics-based – teaches the rules of English, which is 80% regular and logical.
- Writing skills included – covers spelling, sentence construction, and paragraph writing.
The OG method has been used successfully for nearly 80 years to help students learn to read and write.
Where does tutoring take place?
Most students meet their tutors at one of our two centers:
- Historic Downtown Parkville, MO
- Overland Park, KS
Other safe locations (such as schools or libraries) may be arranged, though travel fees may apply. We also offer virtual tutoring options when appropriate.
How long does tutoring take?
Each child’s journey is unique. On average:
- Students who attend two sessions per week stay with ETC for about 2 years.
- Some may need less time, while others may need more.
- Families are not bound to a set timeframe — we move at your child’s pace.
What are the qualifications of your tutors?
ETC tutors are highly trained. Each tutor has:
- A college degree or specialized training
- 40 hours of Orton-Gillingham based training
- 20 practicum hours with a master teacher
- Ongoing professional development throughout the year
- Access to annual literacy and dyslexia specific conferences
- Leadership from OGA-certified instructors, International Dyslexia Association Board Members, and parents of dyslexic learners
This ensures that your child’s tutor is always using the most effective, up-to-date methods.
Is your website accessible for students with dyslexia?
Yes! This website includes text-to-speech.
Simply highlight the text you want read, then click the speaker icon that appears.
Still have questions? We’d love to talk with you. Contact us today or call 816-584-8860 to learn more about how we can support your child.
