A Brief History of the Scottish Rite Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ
In 1994, the Scottish Rite Masons launched the Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ to teach reading to children with dyslexia. No other national charity has adopted this critical need as a major concern. Although studies revealed the existence of remarkably effective programs for treating dyslexia, no one was addressing the issue and its cost to individuals and society in a systematic way. In 1998, three Centers were opened in New Jersey. Subsequently, three additional Centers were opened.
For over fifteen years, the Scottish Rite Masons, Northern Jurisdiction, have been national leaders in the effort to help children and their families overcome the painful obstacles of dyslexia. The Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ tackle the challenge of dyslexia both by providing free Orton-Gillingham tutoring for children with dyslexia and by training a growing cadre of highly skilled and dedicated tutors.
How It Works
The 32º Scottish Rite Masons of New Jersey collaborated with the Center for Dyslexia Studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University to develop a program that brings maximum benefit to the children we serve.
The curriculum used for tutoring children at all Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach.
The Orton-Gillingham method uses a sequential, multisensory phonetic approach to teaching language.
Children attend tutoring services after school two days a week. This allows the curriculum to be tailored to each individual child as necessary and progress is made in small, readily quantifiable steps. Instruction provided by the Learning Centers equip children with improved reading skills and the confidence they need to approach learning with eagerness. Children attend 56 sessions in the academic year.
The teachers in training have a Masonic Scholarship and are enrolled in the Graduate School at Fairleigh Dickinson University and are working toward becoming Dyslexia Reading Specialists.
Parents are expected to participate in all Learning Center fundraising activities.
Application Guidelines
In order to determine if our program is appropriate for your child, all applicants must complete application forms and provide copies of evaluations done by the Child Study Team and/or Independent (appropriately qualified) Diagnostician.
After information is received our professional staff reviews your application paying particular attention to whether the design of our program would be a good match for your child. If that is the case, you will be notified that your child has been placed on the Waiting List for Center of your choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the profile of a child who is accepted into the Masonic program?
The Center Admits children with dyslexia ranging in age from 6 through 18 years of age.
Do you admit children with hearing or vision loss, mental retardation or autism?
We do not have the resources to provide services to children who have severe hearing or vision loss, mental retardation or autism.
What kind of specialized reading instruction do you offer?
We utilize multisensory structured language instruction based on the work of Samuel T. Orton in a one-on-one setting with your child and a Mason scholar.
How can I refer a child to the Program?
You may phone the Center at: 201-288-1183 to speak to a member of our staff or to leave a message on our voice mail. You may be asked brief questions which will help clarify whether your child would benefit from the services which our Centers provide. Following the telephone contact, an application and related forms will be sent to you. You may also email: info@mlcnj.org
In addition to the completed application, what else do I have to provide?
You will be requested to provide a completed application along with a Parent Interview Form and an Information Sheet. You will also be required to submit evaluations which have been done on your child by either his school or a qualified professional.
What do you mean by Evaluations?
Medical, neuropsychological, speech and language, and/or psycho-educational evaluations which have determined that your child has a learning disability must be reviewed by our director. This review is essential to determine whether your child would benefit from the services our program provides. Please note: Often your child’s school will have performed an evaluation on your child or you may have had him privately tested. The Scottish Rite Program does not provide these evaluations for prospective applicants nor does it pay for evaluations to be done elsewhere.
What can I expect after I have provided you with all the materials which your require?
Once your application is complete and all supporting documentation has been provided to us, your child’s application will be reviewed by Dr. Mary Farrell and/or the Individual Center Director at the location nearest your home. In the event your child is accepted into the program, you will receive written notification (usually an email) that your child has been placed on the waiting list for the Center of your choice.
What are the parents’ and students’ obligation to the program.
Your child will be expected to have prompt and regular attendance for scheduled sessions. Children are asked to leave the program for poor attendance. In addition, parents are expected to participate in fund raising activities.