See why Dr. Clark's Reading Centre is trusted and recommended by parents, teachers, pediatricians, and educational psychologists!
WHO WE ARE
Pioneers in Structured Literacy Intervention for K-12
For over 25 years, Dr. Don Clark (Ed.D., Specialist in Special Education) and his team of experienced Ontario Certified Teachers have been committed to providing individualized, evidence-based reading intervention for students of all grades and cognitive profiles.
Through decades of 1-to-1 individualized reading instruction between thousands of students, we have honed our ability to adapt our support to the unique needs and learning styles of any K-12 student.
WHAT WE DO
Rebuild Foundational Skills Through the 'Science of Reading'
Our program is built on structured literacy, an evidence-based approach (similar to Orton-Gillingham) that aligns with the modern Science of Reading.
We provide private, individualized instruction that retrains how a reader processes sounds within words to establish a lasting foundation for learning. We meet your child exactly where they are and build essential reading strategies alongside them at an effective, sustainable pace.
Our approach to reading emphasizes:
Progressive Phonics Mastery: We focus on the structured relationship between letters and their sounds. Through the controlled introduction of increasingly complex concepts, students stop guessing and start sounding out words with intent.
Systematic Decoding & Blending: We provide a reliable set of rules for breaking down unfamiliar words and transitioning smoothly between sounds. Deliberately stretching sounds and embracing flexibility ensures blending becomes second nature—leading to faster recognition and more fluent reading.
Essential Comprehension Strategies: Once the mechanics are established, we build toward understanding. We teach the strategies needed to process, retain, and truly comprehend the text.
Attention & Behaviour Management: 1-to-1 instruction allows us to manage your child’s needs, focus, and motivation in real-time. This maximizes learning efficiency and ensures they always feel encouraged, supported, and never overwhelmed.
WHY WE DO IT
Success Stories from Families Across Ontario
We are continually inspired by the resilience and dedication of our students, and humbled to be part of such incredible growth journeys that have extended far beyond the classroom.
Closing Gaps, Surpassing Grade Levels, & Restoring Confidence
"He had gone from a happy child in kindergarten to an angry and frustrated one... He would pretend to be sick in order to avoid going to school. He had lost all self-confidence… Brett had almost no decoding skills at all… After instruction... Brett now reads with ease and can sound-out challenging words…recently scored in the top percentile in his decoding skills."
– Mother of Brett (Grade 4)
"He was significantly below grade level…within a very short time, his tutor helped him make up the deficit and surpass grade expectations. He improved so much that he was one of three children in his school to get a Level 4 in Reading on the EQAO. He is well beyond grade level now and truly enjoys reading. The tutors at Dr. Clark’s Reading Centre are excellent and provide a valuable service online."
– Mother of Noah (Grade 6)
"Ryan now has the tools to tackle unfamiliar words and is well on his way to becoming a fluent reader. We have noticed a dramatic change in his confidence level that has carried over to his other subjects and other aspects of his life."
– Mother of Ryan (Grade 3)
Shattering Expectations for Neurodivergent Learners
“THANK YOU! You have changed the course of my son’s life. That is no exaggeration. Midway through grade 1, we were being urged to accept that he would not read at curriculum level and to modify our expectations… We knew that our son was smart but affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Your method just made sense to him… just 6 months after beginning his tutoring, an independent assessment established that he was reading at a grade 2.5 level!
He reads everything now and sees himself as a strong reader. Academics aside, the most profound change has been in his demeanour and confidence level. We can’t thank you enough for the incredible gift you have given our son… one which he will carry the rest of his life.”
– Father of Julian (Grade 2)
"Last year, our son Mark was diagnosed as learning disabled. He was about 2 or 3 years behind in reading… even after several months of private tutoring by others. Don has been a God-send. Mark has progressed rapidly… having improved 2 years in reading in about 10 months of tutoring. He now reads all sorts of things just for fun! We very much appreciate Don’s deep knowledge and skill, his patience and creativity. He has been instrumental in turning things around for Mark."
– Father of Mark (Grade 5)
"After much specialized instruction and still reading at an early grade one level, we were very concerned. We began tutoring at the centre and in less than a year her reading improved 2 grade levels. As Katie suffers from a learning disability, this was not an easy task. Because of your program and positive reinforcement, Katie now has more self-confidence and I feel that she can work with her disability.”
– Mother of Katie (Grade 4)
Equipping Students for Lifelong Success
"After our son was diagnosed with a learning disability, we knew we needed a tutor that had specialized experience… When we first arrived our son was in grade 4 and two years behind academically… started to develop frustrations and a dislike for academics but within months working with Don, he began to flourish… helping him rebuild his confidence and love of school and academics. By grade 6 Liam’s teacher said that he was one of the brightest and hardworking students in her class. By the time he reached grade 7 and 8, he was an A/B student…
He is now enrolled in the academic stream for High School this September and we know he will be very successful on this new journey. Don was instrumental in Liam’s growth and learning. Liam would not be where he is today had we not found Dr. Clark’s Reading Centre. Not only is Don a great educator but he is phenomenal at motivating and igniting the desire to learn. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
– Mother of Liam (Grade 8)
"After our daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability, we looked for a tutor with a strong background in special education. Don quickly became a lifeline for our daughter. Over five years working together, Don helped our daughter grow in knowledge, academic ability and most importantly self confidence. Jasmin went from struggling in grade 5 to a high school student who has been on the honour roll for two years and loves learning. We attribute her success in large part to Don’s knowledgeable, skilled and caring academic support."
– Mother of Jasmin (Grade 10)
"When my kids started tutoring, they were more than a year behind in reading… they both caught up in not only reading, but also oral comprehension, vocabulary and writing. With both of my boys having ADHD and a learning disability, Don and his staff were able to help them to develop the tools and skills they are going to need for the rest of their lives. Because of their expertise and dedication, I know I did everything as a parent for my boys to succeed in their future."
– Mother of David & Mitchell (Grades 5 & 7)
OUR MISSION & PROGRAM DETAILS
Professional Online Reading Tutoring at Accessible Rates
Since opening our physical doors in Whitby, Ontario back in 2000, we have remained committed to the belief that every child has a ‘right to read’ — offering clinical-quality reading help at an affordable price.
Now operating fully online, we are thrilled to be able to extend our reach to new families across Ontario.
Reading Tutoring Program Details
$45 per 45-Minute High-Focus Session
School Year Tutoring Hours
Monday - Friday: 1:45 pm - 7:45 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Summer Tutoring Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
*Runs from July 6th - August 20th
NEXT STEPS
Start The Conversation
To learn more or get started, reach out using the form below and our co-director, Lynn Clark (B.Ed., Specialist in Special Education), will get back to you as soon as possible.
As a retired Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) in the Durham District School Board (DDSB), she has seen it all and specializes in understanding unique challenges — so ask away!