Language Foundations
Language Foundations is a specialized support program for students in grades 3–8 who have an Individual Accommodation Plan and a diagnosed learning difference. Led by a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), this therapeutic intervention is designed to strengthen language skills and support learners with language-based differences such as dyslexia.
This therapeutic, non-graded class provides evidence-based, multisensory literacy instruction for students with dyslexia and other reading-based learning differences. Instruction is delivered in groups of 1-2 students.
Focus Areas:
- Decoding and orthographic processing
- Reading accuracy and fluency
- Spelling and vocabulary development
- Written expression and language comprehension
Eligibility and Schedule:
- Available to 3rd and 4th grade students with an active Individual Accommodation Plan and a diagnosed reading difference.
- Students attend 30-minute sessions, 4-5 days per week, in place of their Fundations phonics block.
- Tuition: $8,250 (may be prorated based on enrollment date)
Registration:
This therapeutic, non-graded class provides evidence-based, multisensory literacy instruction for students with dyslexia and other reading-based learning differences. Instruction is delivered in groups of 2-5 students.
Focus Areas:
- Decoding and orthographic processing
- Reading accuracy and fluency
- Spelling and vocabulary development
- Written expression and language comprehension
Eligibility and Schedule:
- Available to 5th-8th grade students with an active Individual Accommodation Plan and a diagnosed reading difference.
- Students meet for 50 minutes, 10 out of every 12 days in the six-day rotating schedule, in place of their World Language class.
- Tuition: $8,250 (may be prorated based on enrollment date)
Registration:
Language Foundation Therapists
Kathryn Baird, CALT, LDT (3rd-4th Grade)
Kathryn Baird brings over 13 years of experience working with students with learning differences. A trained Montessorian, Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), and Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (LDT), she has a strong foundation in multisensory learning techniques for neurodiverse learners. Before joining Parish, Kathryn spent nine years at The Shelton School and a year as a private therapist in Colorado. Now in her fourth year at Parish, she continues to inspire students with her tailored approach to language therapy. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Montessori education and completed language therapy training through an IMSLEC-accredited program, as well as Orton-Gillingham-based programs: Sequential English Education and Wilson Reading System. She is passionate about helping students express their unique talents and values strong collaboration between parents, teachers, and therapists.
Sarah Helffrich, CALT, LDT (5th-8th Grade)
Sarah Helffrich is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) with a master’s in education from Southern Methodist University. With over a decade of experience, she has dedicated her career to empowering neurodiverse students through innovative, multisensory teaching methods. Her expertise in reading therapy and language instruction focuses on building foundational literacy skills while fostering confidence and resilience. Sarah’s approach emphasizes tailored instruction to meet each student’s unique needs, and she is committed to collaborating with parents and educators to drive meaningful, lasting outcomes. Her passion for excellence in education ensures every student is equipped to succeed.