When Reading Feels Harder Than It Should, Answers Matter.
Many struggling readers are intelligent, creative, and capable students who simply learn differently. Unfortunately, they are often told to "try harder," spend hours on homework, or receive tutoring that never addresses the root cause of their difficulties.
At Dr. Hayes Educates, we specialize in helping families understand why a child is struggling and what can be done to help. Through comprehensive dyslexia evaluations, evidence-based intervention, and individualized recommendations, we help students build the skills, confidence, and strategies they need to become successful readers and learners.
Whether you are concerned about dyslexia, reading fluency, spelling, writing, ADHD, or other learning differences, our goal is to provide clarity, answers, and a clear path forward for your family.
Does Any of This Sound Familiar?
Your child may benefit from a dyslexia evaluation or specialized reading support if they:
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Struggle to learn letter sounds or sight words
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Read slowly, inaccurately, or with little confidence
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Guess at words rather than decoding them
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Have difficulty spelling even familiar words
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Reverse sounds, letters, or letter sequences
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Avoid reading whenever possible
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Become frustrated during homework or reading activities
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Perform below expectations despite strong intelligence and effort
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Have a family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties
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Continue to struggle despite tutoring or classroom support
If several of these signs sound familiar, your child may need more than traditional tutoring. Identifying the root cause of reading difficulties is the first step toward meaningful progress.
Comprehensive Dyslexia Evaluations
A comprehensive evaluation provides the answers families need to understand a child's learning profile and determine the most appropriate next steps.
Our evaluations examine areas that commonly impact reading and academic performance, including:
• Phonological Awareness
• Decoding & Word Recognition
• Reading Fluency
• Reading Comprehension
• Spelling & Written Language
• Executive Functioning Skills
• Academic Achievement
• Learning Strengths & Challenges
Families receive a detailed written report, individualized recommendations, and a consultation to review findings and discuss educational planning, intervention, accommodations, and support options.
Our goal is not simply to identify challenges—it is to help families understand how a student learns best and create a roadmap for success.
OUR RESEARCH-BASED APPROACH
Structured Literacy Rooted in the Science of Reading
At Dr. Hayes Educates, we use evidence-based structured literacy practices aligned with decades of reading research. Our instruction is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and individualized to meet each learner's unique needs.
Our Framework Includes:
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IMSE Orton-Gillingham
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Structured Literacy
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Science of Reading Practices
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Phonological Awareness
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Phonics & Decoding
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Fluency Development
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Vocabulary & Morphology
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Reading Comprehension
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Written Expression
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Executive Function Support
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Progress Monitoring
ASSESSMENTS &
TOOLS WE USE
This is where you show off your expertise.
Assessment Tools
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CTOPP-2
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WIAT-4 Dyslexia Index
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TOWRE-2
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GORT-5
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Acadience Reading
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PAST
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Orton-Gillingham Diagnostic Assessments
Intervention Programs
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IMSE Orton-Gillingham
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UFLI Foundations
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Heggerty
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Morphology Instruction
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Structured Literacy Lessons
Progress Monitoring
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Benchmark Assessments
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Intervention Data Collection
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Parent Conferences
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Written Recommendations
Evidence-Based Dyslexia Intervention
Effective dyslexia intervention requires more than practice. It requires explicit, systematic, and research-based instruction designed to address the underlying skills necessary for reading success.
Our intervention services incorporate structured literacy principles and evidence-based practices aligned with the Science of Reading.
Instruction may focus on:
• Phonemic Awareness
• Phonics & Decoding
• Spelling & Encoding
• Morphology & Vocabulary Development
• Reading Fluency
• Reading Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Executive Functioning Strategies
Every intervention plan is individualized based on student needs, assessment data, and progress monitoring results to ensure meaningful and measurable growth.
Why Families Choose Dr. Hayes Educates
✓ Educational Diagnostician
✓ Licensed Reading Specialist
✓ IMSE Orton-Gillingham Trained
✓ Science of Reading-Aligned Practices
✓ Dyslexia, ADHD & Executive Function Expertise
✓ Experience Supporting Gifted & Twice-Exceptional Learners
✓ Comprehensive Evaluations & Intervention Services
✓ Individualized Learning Plans
✓ Family-Centered Recommendations
✓ Progress Monitoring & Ongoing Support
Expert-Led. Research-Based. Personalized for Every Learner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurobiological learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and written language skills. It is not related to intelligence, motivation, or effort.
What age should my child be evaluated?
Children can be evaluated when concerns become apparent. Early identification often leads to earlier intervention and improved outcomes.
Does dyslexia affect spelling and writing?
Yes. Dyslexia commonly impacts spelling, written expression, word retrieval, and other language-based skills in addition to reading.
What is structured literacy?
Structured literacy is an evidence-based instructional approach that explicitly teaches phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension using a systematic sequence.
Do you work with homeschool students?
Absolutely. We frequently support homeschool families through evaluations, intervention, benchmark assessments, educational planning, and consultation services.
Can a dyslexia evaluation help with school accommodations?
Yes. Comprehensive evaluations may provide information that supports discussions regarding accommodations, intervention planning, educational supports, and eligibility considerations when appropriate.
Ready to Get Answers?
If your child is struggling with reading, spelling, writing, or other language-based learning skills, you do not have to navigate the process alone.
The right evaluation can provide clarity. The right intervention can build skills. The right support can change a student's educational journey.
Whether you are seeking answers, a second opinion, specialized intervention, or guidance on next steps, we are here to help.
PROUD MEMBER OF IDA
