Every child has the right to receive effective intervention at school. This is not just good practice: it is a human right, confirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada and several provincial human rights commissions. Schools are obligated to provide appropriate support, but in reality, this does not always happen. As a parent, you may need to advocate for your child to ensure their rights are upheld. For strategies and guidance, see our section on effective advocacy.

When thinking about intervention, it is important to focus on the process over the program. There are many structured literacy intervention programs, and it can be tempting to compare them or push for a specific one. However, schools are required to provide effective literacy intervention, not necessarily the program of your choice. What matters most is not the brand name of the program but whether the intervention is being delivered consistently and is working for your child.

Effective intervention includes:

• A clear intervention plan
• An ambitious, realistic goal for your child
• Consistent intervention delivery
• Ongoing progress monitoring to measure whether the intervention is working

Even the best program will not help if it is not implemented with fidelity. By focusing on the process and insisting on clear goals and measurable progress, you can hold the school accountable for both the quality and delivery of support. This approach gives you objective data to advocate for changes if your child is not receiving the intervention they need.

To support you in this journey, we recommend two resources:

• Dyslexia Canada Parent Guide, a practical handbook for navigating supports and advocating for your child
• Dyslexia Compass, our free program where parents can connect with trained staff and volunteers for guidance, resources, and advocacy support