Programs

Why Choose Leaps in Literacy?*

Leaps in Literacy was created for students with diverse learning needs. The program can be adapted based on what they need the most support with. This can include decoding words, segmenting sounds, practicing letter formation, learning spelling patterns, and more.

Want to learn more about why we updated the program? We want to match the new Ontario Language Curriculum, the OHRC’s Right to Read report, and the Science of Reading.

As part of the intake process, students will complete a 30-minute assessment with an Centre for Diverse Learners staff member, and be placed in groups, with similar needs, that span a maximum of two grade levels (e.g., grades 1-2, 2-3, etc.). Tutors will work with children in small groups of 2-4 students via Microsoft Teams or in-person for one hour, twice per week for 8 weeks

*Formally known as Reading Rocks

Leaps in Literacy makes reading FUN!

GENERAL REGISTRATION FORM

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Dates

October 2nd – December 1st

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Time

Monday and Wednesday
OR
Tuesday and Thursday

5:00 – 6:00 PM
6:30 – 7:30 PM

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Location - Online and In-Person

Online: Microsoft Teams

In-person:

Burlington – RYC (560 Guelph Line)
Hamilton -Westdale High School (700 Main Street West)

Samantha MacDonald

I have seen such a tremendous improvement in my son’s willingness to read which was a battle in itself before Reading Rocks. There hasn’t been a single time that he has tried to get out of his tutoring and when I asked him if he wanted to do it again he very quickly said yes! Thank you for this opportunity.

Reading Rocks Parent

I loved this program, I didn’t have to force my kids to go because they were excited to attend. Reading Rocks is amazing because it was tailored to each child’s interest. My son loves video games so that was incorporated during his sessions and on his board. Both my son and daughter are so much more confident and willing to try different reading tasks.

Jeff Johnson

Wow! What a difference reading rocks has made for Jared. Christina was amazing and can’t thank her and Asma enough for their efforts. Is there any possible way we can get Jared in the next session? He was actually excited every night before knowing he had reading rocks the next day. Let me know if there is anything we can do to help his chances.

Denise Crowler

We were very happy to have our son participate in the program. He loved creating a special board to track his progress and incorporating pictures of his interests made him very proud to show it off. Our teacher Jessica, was outstanding. She was professional, and so encouraging each week. Our son enjoyed going each week and we couldn’t Thank Jessica enough for all her dedication to helping him learn. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in this excellent program!

Reading Rocks Parent

Thank you once again for such an amazing program! Lincoln has excelled and gained confidence in his literacy because of this program. Lindsay was amazing with him and knew exactly how to hold his attention and keep him engaged. Excellent all around!

Milen Teweldai

Our son made a huge leap in learning how to read during this program! It is a small step but a big step for him, as he could not grasp the concept of fusing sounds of letters together. He has known the sounds that individual letters make for years now, but he hit a wall when it came to actually putting letters together. His school and our family struggled to teach him this concept. Like magic, during the program he started understanding this concept. His school reported to me also that they noticed that he was fusing letter sounds together!!!

Thank you so much for this program! You all do a wonderful job! Reading opens up such a new world for our kids!

Reading Rocks Parent

Thank you for running such a super reading program with great tutors. This program has helped my both boys very much. They loved their tutors and has developed love of reading. I see a great change in my boys. Thank you again for giving my both sons the opportunity to be in this program and achieve their academic goals.

The Application Process

1. Fill Out Application

Fill out a GENERAL waitlist application for your child. When filling out this general form, you can select “yes” for Leaps in Literacy. This automatically sends you a follow-up email with the PROGRAM-specific form!

*Please Note: Filling out the application form does not guarantee your child a spot in the Reading Rocks program. The number of spots available depends on the number of volunteer tutors that we have. By filling out the application you are on the waitlist.

Start Your Application

2. A Program Coordinator Will Reach Out To You

If there is a spot available, our Program Coordinator will reach out to you via email to offer you a spot in the program. You will have one week to respond and confirm your spot. After this time, the Program Coordinator will move on to the next name on the waitlist. Spots will be given out on a first come first serve basis based on the date and time on completed application forms.

3. Submit Your Payment

Once you have confirmed your spot, details on how to make a payment will be sent to you via email. To keep your child’s spot in the Reading Rocks program you must make a payment before the start of the session.

Please Note: The number of children we accept in each session is dependent on volunteer availability and commitment.
Rarely, it may be possible that a volunteer is unable to complete the program, thus affecting your child’s spot in the program. We affirm that we are very clear to volunteers about the importance of their commitment to our students and the program overall!

Program Fees

Members

$350

Non-Members

$400

The cost of annual membership is $50 per family, paid separately from program fees.

Program Cancellation Policy

50% of the registration fee will be refunded for any program cancellation received 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Please contact us for any cancellation questions at [email protected]

Many of our programs have limited space available as we aim to provide a low student to teacher ratio; unfortunately space cannot be held for any student until payment is received.

We reserve the right to cancel program sessions if minimum numbers are not reached.

Thank you to the following for supporting this program:

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Your donations keep our programs running.

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Join Us Today!

We are a registered charitable organization that does not receive any government funding to support our initiatives. Your gift will help us to ensure we can continue providing our programs and services to support those who are impacted by Learning Disabilities in Halton and Hamilton.

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