Questions and Answers
Where do learning differences come from?
The brain is complex, mysterious and wonderful. Just like we all have individual personalities, looks and physical abilities, each of our brains is unique. Research indicates that more than 1/3 of all children have learning issues such as dyslexia, processing disorders, or inefficient executive functions. These learning issues are independent of intelligence. Many smart students struggle to learn. The good news is that all of these issues can be addressed. At The Kelter Center we embrace each child’s unique way of learning. After all, where would the world be without Albert Einstein, Walt Disney and Agatha Christie — just a few of the many highly successful people with learning differences.
Is my child the right age for The Kelter Center?
The Kelter Center works with children in Kindergarten through high school and beyond. If your child is struggling in school, feeling frustrated, taking too long to complete homework, having trouble reading or doing math, The Kelter Center is prepared to help.
How does The Kelter Center complement my child’s school program?
Schools teach in the classroom setting. Not all students have efficient learning abilities to succeed in the classroom without intervention. At The Kelter Center we assess where your child’s skills are compared to where they need to be, and provide intensive, one-on-one instruction to remediate any learning deficiencies so your child can succeed at school.
How do I tell my child about the Kelter Center and getting started in the process?
Admitting that learning is not going as smoothly as you or your child wants can be a difficult thing to do. We want to tell our children that they are perfect and intelligent and doing a good job. However, children rely on us as their parents to know what is best for them, even when they may not like what you need them to do. When you decide to obtain more information about your child’s learning skills you should talk about how much you care about your child’s situation in school and how you want to support your child in being the best learner they can be. You should explain how a better understanding of what information your child knows, confuses and doesn’t know will help change how well they are keeping up in school. Typically, once a child starts The Kelter Center process they feel relieved. They know that help is within reach and that they are supported by their family and by The Kelter Center staff.
How long does the Kelter process take?
Every child’s needs and experience are different. The typical student needs to spend a year at The Kelter Center doing two one-hour sessions of instruction per week. If your child needs work on multiple areas (for example, reading and math), then it will require a longer period of time.
What kind of commitment of time and money is this?
The Kelter Center method works best if students do two one-hour sessions per week during the school year. The Kelter Center rates are in line with market rates for center-based Educational Therapy. The rate is higher on a per hour basis than tutoring centers because the instruction is one-on-one, with a professional teacher, and customized to the needs of your child. While on a per-hour basis it might cost more, The Kelter Center delivers superior value by addressing the underlying inefficiencies in the way your child learns. We treat the causes of your child’s struggles in school, not the symptoms.
We also offer financial aide for those we qualify. Click here to apply.
Does The Kelter Center help with test prep?
The Kelter Center does not teach the content that is tested in standardized tests such as the ISEE, SAT or ACT. However, we do work with students with learning differences to teach them strategies to overcome their learning issues in the context of standardized tests. Call for more information.
Do I have to do a lot of work with my child at home?
The amount of home study that your child needs to do depends on the program your child is working on. Typically, students who come to The Kelter Center twice a week will have two or three activities to practice at home between sessions. Your child’s educator will explain to the child what to do at home. If you ever have any questions about an assignment, your child’s educator is available to you by email or phone.
What is the best way to give my child feedback?
Many of us have grown up in a time where positive reinforcement was the way to give our children feedback and shape their behavior. Saying to your child, “Good job!” “You’re a great worker!”, “Bravo!” feels effective to us and we are all used to hearing such phrases. However, research shows that these types of global, positive statements tend to miss the mark. A more efficient way of giving your child feedback about their behavior is to describe it in detail.
“You really took time to do your homework carefully tonight. I noticed that you did your math homework first, and I know that is the part of homework you need to concentrate most on. You did all the problems, checked them yourself and then brought it to me to see your work. Thank you.”
By telling your child what they did and describing it in depth, they feel seen and heard, they know you have been paying attention to their actions and they know what they did that you respected and wanted and they will be much more likely to do it again.
Where do I get more information on learning differences?
Good overviews are available at LD Online and National Center for Learning Disabilities
How do I get started?
If your child is struggling in school, frustrated by homework, or not enjoying the joys of reading and learning, please call The Kelter Center today and schedule an initial consultation. Put your child on the road to a lifetime of learning!