I get these questions a lot. Here are my best answers...
Does my child need a diagnosis?
No, your child does not need a diagnosis to begin. While a diagnosis can sometimes help identify specific challenges and provide access to school accommodations, it’s not required for instruction here. Testing only shows a snapshot of where your child is right now—it doesn’t define their true potential. Every brain can grow, and we focus on building the skills your child needs to move forward with confidence.
Can my child just do Equipping Minds?
Yes! Equipping Minds can be done on its own. Some children are strong readers but still struggle with things like focus, memory, processing speed, or executive functioning skills. Since these cognitive skills are the foundation for all learning, strengthening them can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and success.
Do you offer in-person lessons?
All of my lessons are offered online through Zoom. This makes it easy for your child to learn from the comfort of home (or anywhere with an internet connection) while still receiving the same personalized, one-on-one support.
Can you diagnose dyslexia or other learning differences?
I don’t provide formal diagnostic testing for dyslexia or other learning differences. Only qualified professionals—such as licensed psychologists, neuropsychologists, or educational diagnosticians—can make an official diagnosis. But remember, a diagnosis isn’t required for your child to start receiving support and making progress here.
Do lessons stop over the summer?
Summer is actually one of the best times for lessons! Without the stress of school and homework, kids can focus on building skills and making faster progress. Continuing through the summer not only prevents learning loss but also gives your child the chance to get ahead. I do allow breaks for holidays and short family vacations (less than 2 weeks), so your child can enjoy summer while still moving forward.
What if I can't afford private lessons?
I understand that private lessons may not fit every family’s budget. The good news is that both Equipping Minds and the Barton Reading & Spelling System can be purchased directly for home use. If you’d like guidance on how to get started and use these programs effectively with your child, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction. Even if private lessons aren’t possible, there are still ways to support your child’s progress and help them build confidence in reading and learning.
Can my child just do Barton Reading & Spelling?
While some children may only need reading instruction, difficulty learning to read often stems from underlying cognitive challenges. That’s why every Barton student also participates in brain-strengthening activities using the Equipping Minds Cognitive Development program. Each lesson includes 50 minutes of Barton instruction plus 10 minutes of cognitive exercises, creating a full 60-minute session designed to strengthen both reading skills and the brain pathways that support learning.
How long will it take to complete the program?
The time it takes to see results depends on the program and your child’s unique needs. For Equipping Minds, a minimum of four 1-hour lessons per week (totaling about 60 hours) is recommended to help the brain process information more effectively. Some students may need additional time depending on their individual challenges. For the Barton Reading & Spelling Program, students need a minimum 2 hours per week. On average, completing the full program takes 3–5 years, though every child progresses at their own pace.
What ages do you work with?
Equipping Minds is designed for students ages 3 and up, helping young learners start building strong cognitive skills early. The Barton Reading & Spelling Program is best suited for children ages 5 and older, providing structured, multisensory reading instruction when they are ready to tackle reading and spelling challenges.