Monday, 09 February 2009 15:32 | Written by shana | | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common misconceptions by parents about reading...
Won’t my child receive the extra help he/she needs in school to improve?
Unfortunately, No! Due to classroom overcrowding, inadequate Reading/Language Arts curriculum used that does not focus on struggling readers or is multisensory, various student needs/levels in one group, limited time to teach per subject, and the lack of sufficient training(s) given to the teacher/assistant by the school system in improving deficits, to actually increase the "educational gap." Gains will never be adequately met for your child solely depending on the classroom if extra support is not immediately received.
My child just does not apply themselves, they will grow out-of-it as they get older?
This is a very false misconception, a learning disability or a reading deficiency is not something your child will just ‘grow-out-of’. It is a neurological deficiency, that can be successfully managed with the right help, but never eliminated. If immediate early, intensive help is not given to support your child or adolescent could struggle with this problem for the rest of their lives.
My child is just a baby-he/she has not even entered into school yet, they should be having fun until they start worrying about school-right?
Unfortunately, NO. Lack of school readiness bodes ill for future school performance. Poor school readiness predicts increased likelihood of low levels of academic achievement and high levels of retention in grade, special-education placement, and ultimately school dropout. These same children are at elevated risk for teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, unemployment,social dependency, and poor parenting practices.
I work and barely have time for myself; can’t they get tutoring when they get in high school and more independent?
Sure they could wait, but the chances of them getting the help they need in time to truly have a developmental impact on their lives is almost impossible. Sadly, they will probably not stay in High School long enough after years of continuous failure in school. Only an average of 61.2% of students in GA. graduate; 75% in the Nation graduate.
My child has behavior problems and will not focus long lengths to enjoy these lessons, are they designed to engage them?
Our tutorial staff is equipped for behavior problems that result from struggles in academics and social processing. The lessons, at whatever age, are engaging and use kinesthetic and multisensory approaches that students will enjoy and learn! As they progress in their levels of understanding more enthusiasm with the program will be developed.
HOT provides these particular areas of services...
What services are provided by HOT?
1. Tutorial services for reading, language arts, and spelling using the Wilson Reading Program for students in the 2nd-12th grades. Zoo-phonics is for Toddlers-First graders introducing them to letters, sounds, and reading fun! 2. More than 12 different Entrepreneurial/Career Advocacy Programed Services that are provided for familes, children, or teachers to engage them in beneficial, developmental forming progams that are designed to provide you with skills that are not only valuable in school, but give assurance to a better future! 3. With a subscription membership, we offer an (1) Individualized Nutritional Menu Plan (INMP) that provides a natural, healthy lifestyle consultation and training materials, along with delicious and quick meals or snacks full of targeted ingredients that are organically designed to aid in the proper digestion and development of the body. As well, you receive supplements/vitamins/meals/juices/drinks, etc. that are designed for your child’s mind, spirit, health & whole body care; an alternative to westernized medications. (2) An e-zine called INside HOT! with th latest information from researchers, educators, parents and all types of sources that present you with informed and entertainting news that will benefit you and your familiy!
In short, we provide:
Literacy Tutoring
In-Home tutoring or On-Site Classes {coming soon!}
Help with Special Needs Students
Test Preparation, Academic Subjects, & Prosal/Grant Materials
Educational Advising
All-purpose Academic and Behavioral Monitoring Consultation
High School Georgia Graduation Test (GHSGT) Preparation
Parental Coaching (Self-Advocacy)
Social Skills Refinement
Professional Written Documentation to School Personnel
General Education and Special Education Advocacy Representation
Nutrition and Healthy Living habits to encourage success with disabilities consultation
Organization & Study Skills
Basic Computer Consultation and Instruction
Handwriting/Penmanship Instruction
Checking/Savings, Banking, Money Mgmt. coaching
Interviewing Skills for College or Job Placement
And much more! To find out more, browse through our website or call us at 404.831.2668.
What are student eligibility requirements for tutorial services?
Student must meet at least 1 of the following qualifications to benefit fromWilson Reading: (a.) Be a 2nd-12th grade student, (b) Have a Response To Intervention (RTI) plan (any tier) or under school review, (c.) Have a primary disability in a Language-Based Learning Disability area, (d.) Student must have an updated Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), (e.) Struggles with any aspect of reading and/or spelling of the English language, (f.) Is identified as "At-Risk," (g.) Be an English Language Learner (ELL), or (h.) Be diagnosed with: LD, SLD, SDD, OHI, ADD, ADHD, and/or EBD, as long as the students deficit is academic and not only or primarily behavioral
Student must meet at least 1 of the following qualifications to benefit fromZoo-phonics: (a.) Be a Toddler, Preschooler, Kindergartner, or 1st grader, or (b.) Have been identified with special needs, ADHD, dyslexia, Autism or gifted
Common questions about HOT you should have answered...
What are HOT's program GUARANTEES?
If a student receiving WRS has not made significant percentage gains in the identified tutorial areas of their goals/objectives by their Annual IEP or RTI review after a minimum of 48 contact hours of instruction, we will provide 4 free By-The-Hour tutorial sessions or 20% off a 48 hour Pre-Paid Discount Package or more tutorial session. Also, we will supply a selected category of consultation services to you at no cost!
How do I receive FREE tutorial?
HOT is a state-approved provider for their literacy Wilson reading program. If your child attends a Title I. school and receives free/reduced lunch they and potential other students in Clayton, Fayette, and/or Cowette are eligible under NCLB to qualify for services.
How long does my child need to receive tutorial services from HOT?
This will be determined by a number of factors, from received data information on the student from current teacher(s)/parent, to pre-assessment scores, to basic parental/guardian concerns. SES students will receive the alloted amount of sessions that come from their state funds, along with continued WRS opportunities available. The average program time for WRS is from 3-5years in duration to give a genuine solution to the ongoing reading and/or spelling deficit.
Let’s be honest here, you’re not looking for a quick fix, you’re looking for a solution.Your child has struggled in reading for years, you have finally decided to make a lasting decision in their future; it will take time to correct the problems. We offer ‘A Tutorial Treatment-Solution Plan’ not a band-aid patch...But it works!
With Zoo-phonics we suggest if your child receives consistent, daily maximum sessions throughout the week for a couple of weeks, he/she will have learned their alphabet, lower case letters and sounds in 4 to 5 weeks!
Who are the Regular/Special Education Advocacy & Youth Training services designed for?
The Regular/Special Education Advocacy services can be for adults and students depending on the service selection. For example, services like Social Skills Refinement is designed for elementary, middle, or high school students; however Professional Written Documentation is provided for parents, teachers, or some in need of educational documentations effectively presented.
All of the Youth Training--Entrepreneurial/College/Career Advocacy services are geared toward the success and future planning of students ranging from elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Are your tutors certified?
Yes, all HOT tutors that teach and instruct in Wilson and certified in one or more concentration areas that is relevant to the program.
What areas in GA receive the convenience, reliability, and safety of In-Home tutorial services at their home?
Currently, tutors conveniently come to the homes or a public library of families that live in the geographical locations of the metro Atlanta area. All tutors have been screened by the state with up-to-date Criminal State/National Background and Sex offender Background checks. Exceptions can be made based on Director approval of travel distance and student(s) need.
If I do not live in the areas identified for In-Home tutorial, can I still use your services?
Definitely, we utilize several differnet office building and center locations through merged relationships with others. Also, we will soon have a new convenient facility location that will be available TBA! We'll keep everyone posted on the Grand Opening event!
Does HOT provide legal services?
No, we provide legal referrals to parents who have exhausted all options in their efforts to resolve school issues through advocacy representation.
Does HOT do or provide homework help?
We assist your child inadvertenly through ensuring that they are reciving the best quality literacy program out there, which in term will make homework in various academic subjects much easier to grasp and solve ! However, we do not assist with the students nightly homework assignments.
How much does it cost to speak with a HOT consultation advocate?
HOT does not charge a fee for initial confidential consultation. The 1st consultation is scheduled for a thirty-minute session by appointment only via telephone or in-person!
What are the payment methods for services?
We accept Visa, Discover, American Express, Mastercard, Checks, and Cash. You can also use your PayPal account with us! Our online payments are processed fast and secure through PayPal services.Please feel comfortable shopping in our online store for your services/products, at your convenience with full deteiled descriptions of evey item.
What are your hours for the business operations? (ECA offered throughout entire bus. day)
Mornings (Sept.-May) Monday – Friday from 11am-3pm COMING SOON!
After-School (Sept.-May) Monday-Fridays from 3pm-8pm
Weekends (Sept.-May) Saturdays from 10am- 9pm/ Sundays 12pm-6pm.
Wilson---They vary between 45-90 minutes based on program placement and student(s) needs, after our criterion and curriculum-based pre-assessments an Individualized Student Plan is developed and monitored/updated from on-going curriculum-based assessments given.
Zoo-phonics--- Varies between 20-45 minutes based on program planand student cognitive ability and childs' attention span.
Consultation services purchases?
Consultation runs in lengths of 2.5 weeks or 40 hours of services {which ever comes first} for $350 per service request; this allows a person the opportunity to reeceive unbelieveable services and counseling at their own pace! You can also purchase these services for $50 hourly, if needed.
How will I stay informed about what’s happening in the tutoring sessions?
Your HOT tutor will check in and check out with you each tutoring session. This will allow you to share any new developments or goals and will allow the tutor to keep you informed about the progress your student is making.
How can I measure the results? There are many ways to measure the results: your students grade, the tone of homework time at your house, your students confidence, the new skills that your student demonstrates. And because your local HOT area supervisor will be in regular contact, you will be able to discuss your goals and the results on a regular basis to ensure your satisfaction.