Frequently Asked Questions
Our Center is open from 12:00 to 6:35 pm Monday to Thursday and 2:00 to 5:00 pm Friday.
Yes! We can accept students at 12:15, 1:05 or 1:55 Monday through Thursday.
Our September to June (2024-25) rates are $95.00 per session.
Yes. We work closely with Home School Associations as well as accept payment from Autism Funding.
If Orton-Gillingham tutoring has been recommended by a registered psychologist our fees can be deducted on the medical section on your income tax return. Please visit cra.ca for more information. We also recommend that you contact an accountant familiar with this tax deduction and/or the Disability Tax Credit.
All our lessons are one-on-one and individualized to meet each student’s needs.
We do not offer or recommend online tutoring for our Orton-Gillingham program for the following reasons. The Orton-Gillingham program is most effective when visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile modalities (VAKT) are implemented. These modalities are the cornerstone of the Orton-Gillingham methodology and is what makes the program multisensory. The program is also based on explicit instruction of procedures that students must follow and it is extremely difficult for a tutor to monitor correct implementation of these procedures via a laptop or tablet camera. Therefore the most beneficial part of the Orton-Gillingham lesson can be absent from the delivery of the program. In-person tutoring for the Orton-Gillingham program provides the maximum benefit to the student.
We reserve the right to move lessons online, on a short-term basis, for students or tutors that are showing symptoms of illness, or for emergency reasons.
Some students may be deemed suitable for online sessions depending on how long they have been in our program, or if they are receiving tutoring in math.
No. We believe that parents should make the decision of homework load with their child’s teacher. If parents would like to complement their child’s learning with enrichment based on what their child is learning at our Center, their child’s tutor can let them know where they are in our program as we offer affordable packages that compliment what they have learned with their tutor. Our online store is here.
All students are required to complete our intake evaluation prior to enrollment at Stepping 4words. The cost of the evaluation is $125.00. Evaluation reporting is done verbally, however, if you require a written report the cost is $90.00.
It is best to contact us via telephone to book an appointment. 604-837-2459
No. Our multisensory program is designed to help all struggling learners acquire reading and writing skills.
An educational psychologist is qualified to diagnose a learning disability. Click here for warning signs of learning disabilities. Please contact us for a list of recommended psychologists in your area.
Your first step is to book an intake evaluation with us. Upon completion of our intake evaluation we can help you move forward to getting the necessary help. We have helped many students gain access to programs within their school district. Please contact us and we would be happy to help you advocate with your school effectively.
Our Orton-Gillingham multisensory program takes approximately two school years to complete based on a minimum of twice weekly attendance. We proceed through the program as quickly as we can, but as slowly as needed. All students will progress at their own rate. As every student is an individual learner, it is difficult to predict how long they will require OG tutoring as it is dependent on the severity and the nature of their diagnosis.
Although many students complete our O-G program in the two school years, many students continue with tutoring to focus on advance spelling rules/generalizations as well as review.
Yes! Please check our Testimonials page.
We try to keep students with one tutor; however, at times placements have to be changed. We reserve the right to change tutors but do our best to keep students consistently with one tutor.
Please see our Communicable Disease policy.
Yes. Our programs are modelled on VAKT methodology of teaching. They are VISUAL, AUDITORY, KINESTHETIC and TACTILE.
Our tutors follow the principles of the Orton-Gillingham methodology based on a sequential, multisensory, phonetic approach to learning. One of the most important benefits of this systematic method of instruction is the confidence that it builds within the individual student. Success is fostered, and strong foundations are laid by explicit direct instruction taught by our O-G trained tutors using all sensory pathways.
Yes! Students have the use of assistive technology in their IEPs and remediation of language based learning differences lie in Assistive Technology at the upper grade levels such as the use of iPads, tablets, laptops to be used for composition. Tutors at Stepping 4words stay apprised of this rapidly emerging and ever changing technology. Students with dysgraphia are introduced to keyboarding early at Stepping 4words, and most of our students use the iPad to complete certain aspects of the lesson in grade four.
Yes! All our tutors have a computer/and or tablet at their station. We use specialized software to help our children that have written output disorders. We also teach multisensory keyboarding to students to ensure they acquire the appropriate and proper skills required to become proficient with technologies.
Our Spring Break closures are based on School District 43’s Calendar and we are only closed for the first week of their scheduled spring break and as outline in our Tutoring Agreement Calendar. Our summer availability is available through the Boost Camps link here
We accept cash, cheques (post-dated) and e-transfers to info@stepping4words.com.
Yes. Wheelchair access is available via the back of the building. Please ring the doorbell.