My Child Was Flagged “At-Risk” for Dyslexia: What California Parents Could Do at Home?

First, Take a Breath...

When parents hear that their child may have dyslexia, it often sparks a wave of emotions including worry, confusion, fear, or even relief that there’s finally a possible explanation. All of these feelings are normal. But after the emotions settle, the big question remains: “What can I do to help my child right now?”

The good news? There are clear, evidence-based ways you can support your child at home while you decide on next steps.

Why Early Action Matters

The California Department of Education (CDE) now requires all schools to screen students in Kindergarten–2nd grade for dyslexia risk. Why? Because early support changes outcomes. Research shows that children who receive structured, evidence-based literacy instruction in the early years not only learn to read better, but also grow in confidence and self-esteem.

Unfortunately, many schools still use a “wait and see” approach.  Waiting often leads to frustration, falling behind, and damaged self-confidence. Acting now means you’re giving your child the best chance to succeed. 

Early intervention is key, and the home can play an important role alongside school support.

If your child has been flagged as “at risk,” you don’t need to panic and you don’t need to wait. There are steps you can take today to strengthen skills and support your child’s confidence.

‍What Parents Can Do at Home

You don’t need to be a teacher to help your child. The most powerful supports are often small, consistent activities woven into daily life.

1. Daily Reading Routines- Read aloud together every day. Alternate pages, echo-read (you read a sentence, they repeat). Talk about the story to build comprehension and vocabulary, not just decoding. Use audiobooks to give your child access to rich language without the frustration of decoding every word.
2. Phonological Awareness Games- Play with sounds: rhyming games, clapping syllables, or stretching words into sounds (“dog” → /d/ /o/ /g/). Try rhyming games while driving or cooking (“cat/hat, tree/bee”). Play “I Spy a Sound” choose a beginning sound and take turns finding objects around the house. These skills form the foundation of reading.
3. Multisensory Practice- Engage multiple senses: trace letters in sand or shaving cream, use magnetic letter tiles, or write with colorful markers. Focus on one sound at a time. Connecting sight, sound, and movement reinforces memory.
4. Sight Word Support- Make sight word practice fun. Use flashcards, but add creativity: color-code vowels, play “word bingo,” or let your child decorate mastered words.
5. Strengthen Early Word Reading- Use decodable books instead of guessing-based readers. Encourage your child to sound out words step by step, rather than memorizing. Celebrate small wins, progress over perfection. ‍
6. Spelling & Writing Support- Encourage “sound it out spelling” and celebrate effort. Keep a personal word wall at home for tricky words. Writing on a whiteboard or tablet often feels less stressful than pencil and paper.
7. Technology Tools- Use supports like text-to-speech apps, word prediction software, or audiobooks through Learning Ally or Bookshare. These tools make grade-level material accessible while practicing reading skills at the right level.
8. Short, Positive Sessions- Aim for 10–15 minutes of focused practice, then take a break. Always end on a success so your child feels capable and motivated.
9. Strengthen Early Word Reading- Praise effort, not speed. (“I love how you kept trying that tricky word.”). Highlight your child’s strengths: creativity, problem-solving, big-picture thinking. Remind them: dyslexia does not define you.

Research consistently shows that parent involvement, even just a few minutes daily,  improves reading outcomes and helps children feel supported and understood.

Why Professional Evaluations Still Matter

These at-home strategies are powerful, but they’re just the start. A comprehensive evaluation goes deeper than screening, helping you understand:

• Your child’s specific reading profile (phonics, fluency, comprehension, memory, processing).
• Whether challenges are dyslexia, another learning difference, or a combination.
• What interventions, frequency, and accommodations will actually work.

At NeuroChamp, we don’t believe in “wait and see.” We believe in clarity now, so your child gets the support they need sooner. The result? A clear roadmap that shows where to intervene, what supports are needed at school, and how to build confidence at home.

Bottom Line for Parents

Being flagged “at risk” is not the end, it’s the beginning of knowing how to help. By combining home support with the right professional guidance, you can turn worry into confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free consultation today. Let’s uncover your child’s strengths, clarify challenges, and build a plan that sets them up for success in school and beyond.

About the Author

Dawnyelle DeLongchamp, M.S., BCBA, LEP
Dawnyelle is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4577) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 25 years of experience. As the founder of NeuroChamp Educational Psychology & Speech Services, she specializes in comprehensive, neuroaffirming evaluations for learning differences, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and more, helping families move from uncertainty to clarity with empathy and practical insight.

‍References

1. California Department of Education (CDE). (2025). Dyslexia Screening and Early Intervention Guidance.
2. International Dyslexia Association. (2024). Dyslexia Basics.
3. Snowling, M. J., & Hulme, C. (2021). Interventions for dyslexia: Evidence-based approaches. Child Development Perspectives.
4. Shaywitz, S. (2020). Overcoming Dyslexia (2nd ed.).