The Children's Dyslexia Center of Lancaster (CDCL) held its annual Celebration of Achievement on Aug. 30 at the Lancaster Masonic Center. Due to COVID-19, the event was held in the parking lot so social distancing could be maintained. Nine children graduated from the program, with eight of the graduates in attendance. Each child prepared a speech, which was presented to his or her families and supporters, thanking the center, teachers, and local fundraising efforts that enabled them to get the needed support to overcome challenges associated with reading and writing.
The center, sponsored by the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, is one of eight centers in Pennsylvania providing tutoring at no charge to children from elementary through high school who fit a dyslexic profile. Children are eligible regardless of economic status or Masonic affiliation. In addition to free tutoring, the center also offers free training for adults who hold a bachelor's degree using multisensory structured teaching based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. This method is a sequential, multisensory, phonetic approach to language. There is a materials fee for the training for adults.
The center is currently seeking individuals who are interested in taking part in the 2021-22 training year. Applications are due by Thursday, Dec. 17. The training will result in a Children's Dyslexia Centers Inc. Certified Dyslexia Practitioner-1 designation. Graduate credit is also available. Upon completion, 180 Act 48 hours will be awarded to teachers. Training involves 60 lecture hours spread over the course of the year and 100 supervised practicum hours. The tutoring practicum takes place twice weekly after school hours. Training will begin in March 2021 and will conclude in May 2022.
The center, which opened in 2002, has assisted more than 200 children with reading and writing and has trained 50 tutors as Certified Dyslexia Practitioners. The center serves close to 50 children each year and can accommodate about 30 children per term. Fundraising efforts by the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, the board of governors, and the parent group help offset costs associated with keeping the program running. Tutoring costs close to $6,000 per child each year, and children are often waitlisted for one to two years before there is an opening. The center hopes to expand its fundraising efforts in order to accommodate the increasing number of children who are seeking tutoring.
For more information regarding fundraising, training, or enrolling a child, readers may contact the CDCL at 717-481-5680 or cdclancasterpa@gmail.com.
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