Have a Question?
We've compiled answers to some commonly asked questions. Still have a question? Feel free to email Dr. Truong at marissa@afirstfoundationlearning.com!
Click on the question to jump to the answer below.
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What is the frequency and duration of sessions?
Are groups or classes offered?
What is the cost of services? Is insurance accepted? How do I Pay?
What makes A First Foundation's services unique?
What is the difference between a learning specialist and tutor?​
What is educational therapy?​
What is dyslexia? How do I know if my child has dyslexia?
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Where are services offered?
Our services are offered in suite E1, directly above Plato's Closet, in the Paoli Village Shoppes located at 15 Paoli Plaza - convenient to the train station. Our learning clinic has a small waiting area, consultation and testing room, and an intervention and small group space. Some services are offered virtually - please reach out if you are interested in virtual services.
What is the frequency and duration of sessions?
Typically, sessions are 1-hour in length, but for preschoolers, 45-minute sessions are offered. The frequency of sessions depends on a child's needs and the amount of time a family can commit. For children with diagnosed language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia, two non-consecutive sessions are recommended per week.
Are groups or classes offered?
We currently offer groups for kindergarten students. You can learn more on our kindergarten club page.
Is there support for parents?
A First Foundation, LLC offers trainings for parents on a variety of topics related to learning, literacy development, and early childhood education. In addition, we offer advocacy support for families impacted by food allergies.
Parents with children attending sessions receive a login to an online parent portal where they receive resources, frequent communication about how they can support children at home, and written progress updates.
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If you are in need of more extensive, personalized support through your challenges, contact marissa@afirstoundationlearning.com about parent coaching.
What is the cost of services? Is insurance accepted? How do I pay?
It takes time to see progress in reaching individualized goals. Families should understand that for treatment to be most effective, consistency is key and should be willing to commit to the prescribed plan which may consist of a few months or even an entire school year. For children with dyslexia or another learning challenge, multiple sessions per week are often recommended.
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1:1 Literacy Instruction, Dyslexia Intervention, and Educational Therapy:
individual session - $110;
10-sessions, pay-as-you go - $1,000
10-sessions, prepaid - $950
Monthly, prepaid (8* sessions in 1 month) - $720
*for clients needing intensive intervention more than 8 sessions per month, please contact for a reduced per session rate.
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Evaluation - $100 per hour for testing; $50 per hour for report/analysis
Parent support - $150 per hour
Consultation - $50 per half hour
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A First Foundation, LLC works with private pay clients only, as dyslexia intervention and educational therapy is not covered by medial insurance. If your child has a medical diagnosis and intervention/therapeutic services are prescribed, you may be able to submit a form for reimbursement from your insurance. If you are experiencing a financial hardship, please reach out for information about a sliding scale.
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Accepted forms of payment are credit card, Venmo, check or cash.
My child was just evaluated by a psychologist, specialist, etc. Is your needs assessment also required?
For evaluations completed within the past 6 months, Dr. Truong is happy to review them as well as IEP reports. This information is often extremely useful. If there is sufficient data to help outline a treatment plan, sessions can get started right away! Plans can also be adjusted as needed and there may be need to collect additional data as we begin working with your child.
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What is your process?
Individually designed intervention, therapeutic, and coaching services involve a significant amount of preparation and resources. To make sure your family’s needs and our areas of specialization align and are a strong fit, A First Foundation, LLC utilizes the following steps:
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REACH OUT. Contact us via email, schedule a phone call, or use the contact form to connect.
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FREE PHONE CONSULTATION. We will discuss your needs or reason(s) for referral and what you are looking for in a specialist, and answer any questions you may have!
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IN-PERSON CONSULTATION (OPTIONAL). This is a 20-minute free in-person meeting to go over policies and meet you and/or your child.
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PAPERWORK. We will send you forms to gather demographic information, permissions, learn about your history, and personal goals.
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DIAGNOSTIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT. We will conduct a diagnostic assessment to determine your child's needs, strengths, and outline individualized goals. For parent coaching, questionnaires and interviews will help to formulate strategies and set goals.
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POST-ASSESSMENT FOLLOW UP. This includes reviewing the intervention plan together and answering any questions you may have.
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SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS. We will set up weekly appointments in our system and you will receive reminders prior to your appointment.
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What is your approach?
Our approach is systematic, explicit and diagnostic:
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Personalized objectives and individualized plan based on a child's learning profile and needs
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Multi-sensory, research-based tools and strategies serve as the basis of intervention and therapy
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Authentic learning experiences and developmentally appropriate practice promote motivation and success
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Assessment, observation, and documentation drive lesson development and trajectory
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Simple, weekly goals outside of sessions reinforce key points and expedite progress
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Parent feedback and summaries that foster partnership
What makes A First Foundation's services unique?
Dr. Truong provides instruction and intervention when it matters the most - the early years. She specializes in children from birth through the elementary years and has a great depth of understanding surrounding the needs of early childhood and developmentally appropriate practice. She is committed to preventative strategies that minimize the impact of special needs on social-emotional health, overall well-being, and success in life. As a parenting educator, Dr. Truong provides expert guidance while always ensuring parents are included in the process of treatment. As a small private practice, Dr. Truong builds high quality, personalized relationships with her clients. Her focus is on knowing them as individuals and tailoring sessions to their needs. In addition, having a dual background in education and psychology allows Dr. Truong to view her clients from a holistic perspective, recognizing the important interplay between the various developmental domains and the social-emotional elements impacted by learning, developmental or behavioral needs. As a parent of children with disabilities and neurodiverse needs, she has walked in your shoes and can help guide you in your journey based on personal experience, in addition to her training.
What is structured literacy?
Structured literacy instruction is an evidence-based approach to teaching literacy that is systematic, explicit, and sequential. It is designed to help students of all ages and abilities develop strong reading and writing skills by teaching them the fundamental components of language, including phonology, phonics, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
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Structured literacy instruction typically follows a specific sequence of instruction that builds upon previously learned skills. For example, students may start by learning letter-sound correspondences and progress to decoding multisyllabic words and understanding complex sentence structures.
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This approach is often used for students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities that affect reading and writing, but it can be beneficial for all learners. By providing a clear and consistent framework for instruction, structured literacy can help students develop a strong foundation of literacy skills that will support them throughout their academic and personal lives.
What is the difference between a learning specialist and tutor?
A learning specialist and a tutor are both professionals who work with students to support their learning and academic progress. However, there are some key differences between the two roles.
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Focus: A learning specialist typically works with students who have specific learning challenges or disabilities, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences. They have specialized training and expertise in assessing, preventing and remediating learning difficulties. On the other hand, a tutor typically provides academic support in specific subjects, such as math, science, or language arts, to help students improve their grades and better understand the material.
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Scope: A learning specialist takes a holistic approach to address a student's overall learning needs. They may work with the student, their teachers, and parents to develop strategies, accommodations, and interventions to support the student's learning and help them succeed in the classroom. A tutor, on the other hand, typically focuses on providing instruction and practice in a specific subject or skill area.
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Expertise: A learning specialist typically has specialized training, certifications, and experience in working with students who have learning challenges. They may have a deep understanding of different learning styles, instructional methods, and specialized interventions to support students with diverse learning needs. A tutor, on the other hand, may have expertise in a specific subject or skill area and provide targeted instruction and practice in that domain.
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Long-term vs. Short-term: A learning specialist often works with students over an extended period of time to address their ongoing learning challenges and provide continuous support. They may develop and implement individualized learning plans, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed. A tutor, on the other hand, typically provides short-term support, often focusing on immediate academic needs, such as preparing for a test or completing an assignment.
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What is educational therapy?
Educational therapy is a specialized form of therapeutic intervention that focuses on addressing learning difficulties, academic challenges, and learning differences in students. It is a collaborative and individualized approach to support learners who may struggle with specific subjects, learning disabilities, executive functioning difficulties, or other obstacles that hinder their academic progress.
The main goal of educational therapy is to help students develop the necessary skills, strategies, and self-confidence to become more effective and independent learners. Educational therapists use a combination of educational and therapeutic techniques to achieve this objective. Educational therapy often incorporates multi-sensory teaching methods, which engage multiple senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to reinforce learning. These techniques are particularly effective for students with learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD. In addition, learning difficulties can be emotionally taxing for students. Educational therapists provide emotional support and encouragement, helping students build resilience, self-esteem, and a positive attitude towards learning.
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What is dyslexia? How do I know if my child has dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing skills. It is a neurobiological condition characterized by difficulties in processing language, particularly when it comes to recognizing and manipulating the sounds of speech, known as phonological processing.
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It's important to note that dyslexia is not a reflection of a person's intelligence or overall cognitive abilities. Many individuals with dyslexia have average or above-average intelligence, and their learning difficulties in reading and writing are specific to language processing. The exact cause of dyslexia is not fully understood, but research suggests that it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect brain development related to language processing. Dyslexia tends to run in families, indicating a genetic component.
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Early identification and appropriate intervention are crucial for individuals with dyslexia. Educational therapists, special education teachers, and other professionals can provide targeted support and interventions to help individuals with dyslexia develop effective reading and writing strategies and achieve academic success. With the right support and accommodations, individuals with dyslexia can thrive and reach their full potential in various aspects of life.
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An evaluation that examines a child's abilities in phonology (awareness, memory, and access), letters (names and sounds), vocabulary (expressive and receptive), print conventions, listening comprehension, and reading (nonsense words, real words, and comprehension) can determine whether your child's strengths and needs are linked to a dyslexic profile. A First Foundation, LLC offers screening for dyslexia and comprehensive literacy evaluations. If you think your child is at risk, please email marissa@afirstoundationlearning.com for a consultation.
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