How do I know if my child has dyslexia?
Common signs include trouble rhyming, mixing up sounds in long words, letter or number reversals past first grade, slow choppy reading that guesses from shape or context, terrible spelling, trouble with sight words and homonyms, and a close relative with dyslexia. If your child shows three or more, a free consultation is the right next step. Dyslexia can be identified with 92% accuracy by ages 5½ to 6½ (NIH, 1994).
At what age should we start tutoring?
As early as you suspect a problem. Research shows 90% of children with reading difficulties can reach grade level with help in first grade, but only 25% of those whose help is delayed past age nine catch up. Earlier is dramatically more effective, but it is never too late — older students and adults make real progress with structured-literacy instruction.
What is the Barton Reading & Spelling System?
Barton is an Orton-Gillingham–influenced, structured-literacy program designed specifically for students with dyslexia. It is multisensory (sight, sound, and touch), explicit, sequential, and individually paced. Lessons follow an “I do, we do, you do” progression so each new skill is fully mastered before the next is introduced. Jeanne is certified at the Advanced Level.
How long will my child need tutoring?
It depends on the level of difficulty and starting point, but most students need consistent weekly tutoring for one to three years to complete the program. Twice-weekly sessions are the minimum because the science is clear: dyslexic learners need frequent, structured repetition to lock in skills. We will give you a clearer estimate after the free consultation.
Do you tutor online?
Yes. Live online sessions are delivered over Zoom paired with the Whizzimo online tutoring platform — the same one-on-one, multisensory instruction as in-person lessons. You will need a computer with a webcam, headphones, and a quiet, distraction-free space. We will help you get set up.
What is the difference between tutoring and advocacy?
Tutoring is direct instruction with your child — building reading, spelling, and writing skills. Advocacy is partnering with you as a parent to navigate the special-education system: writing IEP goals, reviewing documents, drafting letters, and attending IEP or 504 meetings. Many families need both. They can be hired together or separately.
Do you help with IEPs or 504 plans?
Yes. Jeanne is a Certified Dyslexia Advocate through the Dyslexia Training Institute and a member of COPAA. She helps families plan meetings, write appropriate goals, review school documents, and attend IEP/504 meetings to make sure your child gets the support they are entitled to.
What does it cost?
Tutoring is $65 per session after school (minimum two sessions per week); $70 for morning or evening sessions; $85 if travel to your home is involved. A one-time $60 registration fee and $50 in supplies cover materials. Advocacy is $75 per hour for IEP/504 meetings and $30 per hour for document review, goal writing, and letters. See the full fee schedule for details. Your first 30-minute consultation is free.
What areas do you serve?
In person across Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cotati, and Sonoma. Live online tutoring is available anywhere in California.
Is dyslexia the same as a learning disability or low intelligence?
No. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability for reading and spelling. It has nothing to do with intelligence — many dyslexic learners are gifted in creativity, spatial reasoning, big-picture thinking, and problem-solving. The right reading instruction lets those strengths shine.
Worried your child is falling behind in reading?
The science is clear: early, structured help changes everything. Start with a free 30-minute consultation — no pressure, just answers.