Parent Resources


Resources for parents of children with dyslexia

No matter where you are on your path to learning about dyslexia, we hope this page will provide you with the dyslexia resources you are looking for to help your child. The Kansas-Missouri IDA branch actively promotes finding information for parents that will not only allow you the ability to learn more about dyslexia and the Science of Reading but will also help you effectively advocate for your child with dyslexia in Kansas or Missouri!


How can I advocate for my child at school?

  1. Familiarize yourself with special education law through Wright’s Law: wrightslaw.com. Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
  2. In Kansas? Check out the Kansas Department of Education’s mandates concerning dyslexia:
  3. In Missouri? Check out these free or low-cost advocacy resources:
    • Missouri Parents Act (MPACT) is Missouri’s Parent Training and Information Center, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education and the State of Missouri.
    • Family Advocacy and Community Training. FACT’s vision is a community where ALL children and adults are supported through their  challenges, valued for their diversity, and fully included as they choose.

What apps or resources will help my dyslexic child thrive?

  1. Marilyn Zecher’s MultiSensory Math and More https://multisensorymath.online
  2. Dr. Cheesman’s App Chat: The Best Apps for Learning to Read
  3. Dr. Cheesman’s App Chat: Typing Lessons and Games for Kids and Adults
  4. Dr. Cheesman’s App Chat: Word Games and Logic Puzzles
  5. Dr. Cheesman’s App Chat: Games to Boost Math Skills
  6. Instructional and Assistive Technology: Critical Tools for Students
  7. Software Instructional Support: Virtual Direct Instruction for Students With Dyslexia
  8. Haskins Global Resource Library – This resource library is designed to help parents and educators easily navigate through the overwhelming amount of information available online on promoting literacy development in children of all ages.

What are the fundamental skills necessary for learning to read?

More than 20 years of research has shown that there are certain kinds of skills that are especially important for your child to be ready to learn to read. These skills include:

  • Print knowledge – a child’s understanding of books, printed letters, and words
  • Emergent writing – a child’s first efforts to create and use print in a meaningful way
  • Linguistic awareness – a child’s understanding of how words and language work

Are there parent organizations I can be a part of?

Yes! Decoding Dyslexia in Kansas and Missouri are Grass-Root parent groups that provide support for parents of children with dyslexia with chat groups and resources for parents.


What else can I do?

  1. Talk with your child’s teachers and caregivers about including early literacy screening and activities in their programs on a regular basis.
  2. Make sure that you take part in discussions about your child’s literacy development. Ask your child’s teachers and caregivers what you can do to help your child.
  3. Find ways to make early literacy activities part of your daily life, such as when you go shopping or take a walk.
  4. Become a member of the IDA – Click Here to sign up

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