When Logan started kindergarten, we noticed he was having difficulty learning his alphabet, recognizing numbers, and connecting sounds to letters. These foundational skills, which often come naturally to many children, were a real struggle for Logan.
His eventual diagnosis of borderline autism brought clarity about his condition, but it also made us worry about his confidence and how he would keep up in school.
The challenges only grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logan was in kindergarten, but the shift to online learning offered little structure to help him build the skills he desperately needed. While he enjoyed fun activities, there wasn’t enough focus on literacy basics, and he fell further behind his classmates.
A family friend recommended we try a United Way Halton & Hamilton-supported Literacy Intervention Program, and I decided to enroll Logan.
Logan loved the program from day one. Each time I told him it was a program day, he’d say with excitement, “Okay, let’s go!”
The educators created a welcoming and engaging environment where Logan felt safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Initially, Logan worked one-on-one with an educator, focusing on breaking down words into sounds, learning letter names, and building his confidence step-by-step. The program uses pre and post assessments to ensure that lessons are tailored to each child’s needs. This personalized approach made a huge difference for Logan.
As he progressed, Logan transitioned to small group sessions with other children at a similar reading level. The educators incorporated literacy games, creative tools, and technology into their lessons, making the experience fun and engaging for Logan.
This approach helped him absorb foundational skills, without feeling overwhelmed.
When Logan first started his program, he barely recognized letters, and reading seemed impossible for him to grasp. Now, he can name letters, sound out words, and even read phrases. I can’t tell you how proud I felt the first time he started reading signs during our car rides. He now asks me questions about the words he sees and wants to know if he’s pronouncing them correctly.
Programs like this don’t just teach kids to read. They empower them to believe in themselves and unlock their potential. While Logan is still catching up to his peers in school, he is making steady progress and gaining the confidence he needs to keep growing.
I’m so proud of how far Logan has come, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received.
Thanks to United Way, programs like this are accessible to families like ours, and provide the support needed to help children thrive and reach their full potential.
