Question 1

What is the Science of Reading?

Accepted Answer

The Science of Reading refers to decades of research on how the brain learns to read. It supports structured literacy methods that explicitly teach phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Tutors on The Reading Tutor Hub are trained in these evidence-based approaches.

Question 2

How do I find a reading tutor near me?

Accepted Answer

Use the directory at the top of this page to search by state or province, session type (virtual, in-person, or hybrid), certifications, and reading programs. You can also search by tutor name or city to find a specialist close to you.

Question 3

What certifications should I look for in a reading specialist?

Accepted Answer

Common certifications include CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist), Orton-Gillingham Academy Certified (OGA), Wilson Reading System Certified (WRS), and IMSLEC accreditation. The right certification depends on your child's needs; our directory lets you filter by each of these.

Question 4

How do I know if my child needs a reading tutor?

Accepted Answer

If your child is a struggling reader, whether in elementary school or older, signs they may benefit from a reading specialist include difficulty sounding out words, slow or inaccurate reading, trouble with spelling, avoiding reading, or a school evaluation suggesting dyslexia or a reading disability. A certified reading specialist can assess your child's needs and create a targeted plan.

Question 5

What is the difference between online and in-person tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Online (virtual) tutoring happens over video call, giving you access to specialists anywhere in the country. In-person tutoring takes place at the tutor's location or yours. Hybrid tutors offer both options. Many families find online reading tutoring sessions just as effective as in-person, especially for structured literacy instruction.

Question 6

My child can't read. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If your child can't read at grade level, you're not alone, and there is help. The first step is to have your child evaluated by a reading specialist who can identify specific areas of difficulty, whether it's phonics, decoding, fluency, or comprehension. A certified reading tutor for kids can then create a targeted plan using structured literacy methods. Browse our directory to find a qualified reading tutor near you, online or in-person.

Reading Specialists in Urbandale, Iowa

Reading programs and certifications available in Urbandale, Iowa

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Hello! My name is Kelli Brus and I am a literacy interventionist in Urbandale, Iowa. I've been a licensed teacher and school psychologist since 2009 and have spent many of the past 20 years educating students, creating individual plans to achieve specific academic goals, monitoring student outcomes and progress, and differentiating instruction for students who need more support. Previously I've worked at Heartland Area Education Agency, Ankeny Community School District, and Des Moines Public Schools. Connecting with students, celebrating their successes, watching them make swift progress, and seeing their confidence with reading and writing blossom brings me so much joy! My sincere hope is not only to help children become better readers and writers, but to enjoy it and get excited for it!	EBLI	EBLI Reading Simplified
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