Delaware Dyslexia Resources
K-3 reading screening three times a year, required reading help, and free disability advocacy statewide.
More about dyslexia help in Delaware
Public districts and charter schools screen K-3 students three times each year. Schools must provide approved reading interventions for students identified with a potential reading deficiency.
Ask the school for an evaluation if you suspect a disability. Families can use statewide advocacy, accessible books and neutral mediation; clinics and private schools have separate intake rules.
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in Delaware.
Free parent help
Parent Information Center of Delaware
Special education and IEP help by phone, email or virtual meeting.
Special education office
Delaware Exceptional Children Resources
State special education rights, safeguards and dispute options for families.
FreeFree legal advocacy
Disability Rights Delaware
Free disability advocacy, including special education and accommodation help.
Free
More go-to contacts
Dyslexia association
International Dyslexia Association-Pennsylvania(opens in a new tab)
Adult reading help
Delaware Department of Education Adult Education(opens in a new tab)
Job help for adults
Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation(opens in a new tab)
How to get help in Delaware
The steps and deadlines in Delaware rules.
Ask for an evaluation
Put your reading concerns and evaluation request in writing. Keep a copy; if the school refuses, ask for its reasons in prior written notice.
Give written consent
Read the proposed evaluation and give informed written consent. Consent to evaluate is separate from consent to start special education services.
- Time limit: 45 school days
Track both evaluation clocks
The school must finish the initial evaluation within 45 school days or 90 calendar days after written consent, whichever is shorter.
- Time limit: 30 days
Review eligibility and the IEP
Join the eligibility decision. If the student needs special education, the school must hold an IEP development meeting within 30 calendar days of eligibility.
Ask about an independent evaluation
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, request an independent evaluation at public expense. The school must fund it or seek a hearing to defend its own.
Choose a dispute option
Ask about free mediation or file a state complaint. A state complaint generally concerns violations within the last year; due process has different deadlines.
Delaware dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Yes
What it says
Since July 2023, schools screen K-3 students three times a year and tell parents in writing the results and the help offered.
14 Del. C. §158(b)(1) (2022)
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
Since July 2024, schools must give approved reading help to students found to have a possible reading deficiency.
14 Del. C. §158(b)(2) (2022)
Teacher training
Yes
What it says
Now: teacher programs must teach reading science. Before 2027-28, all staff who teach or coach reading must finish approved training.
Dyslexia defined in law
Partly
What it says
The screening law mentions signs of dyslexia and dyslexia-specific help, but does not define dyslexia.
State dyslexia handbook
Not sure
What it says
Official literacy guidance and a 2025-2028 early literacy plan are available; a separate statewide dyslexia handbook was not confirmed.
State dyslexia specialist
PartlyMore from 2027–28
What it says
Before 2027-28, each district and charter must name someone to help schools use the reading curriculum; no state dyslexia coordinator found.
Science of reading law
Starts 2027–28
What it says
Before 2027-28, K-3 schools must adopt a state-approved reading curriculum that teaches skills in order. Districts report progress now.
14 Del. C. §4145(a)-(b) (2022)
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in Delaware
Pick what you need.
Help with IEPs and 504 plans
Free experts who know the rules.
University of Delaware Special Education Dispute Resolution Services (opens in a new tab)
Free, neutral mediation and IEP meeting facilitation for families and schools.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
The Reading Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Reading and learning evaluations, intervention and accommodation support for students and adults.
University of Delaware Institute for Community Mental Health Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Reading, writing and math assessments for all ages, with reports and school recommendations.
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Reading Assist (opens in a new tab)
One-to-one reading intervention for struggling K-3 readers through partner schools.
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (opens in a new tab)
Free assistive technology demonstrations and loans, with centers in Newark and Milford.
Parent groups
Families who have been there.
Indian River Parent Council (opens in a new tab)
Serves Sussex County
Meetings where families of students with IEPs or 504 plans give the Indian River district feedback.
Read Aloud Delaware - Sussex County (opens in a new tab)
Serves Sussex County
Free parent workshops and volunteer read-aloud visits for early childhood literacy.
Learn about dyslexia
Plain guides from trusted experts.
Delaware Division of Libraries Dyslexia Guide (opens in a new tab)
Library guide linking Delaware dyslexia, disability, and accessible reading resources.
Sussex County Libraries Early Learning (opens in a new tab)
Serves Sussex County
Early literacy programs, parent resources and recorded stories across Sussex County.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Delaware State University Center for Disability Resources (opens in a new tab)
Class accommodations, including books in accessible formats, for Delaware State University students.
Literacy Delaware (opens in a new tab)
One-to-one or small-group adult reading and English tutoring across all three counties.
University of Delaware Disability Support Services (opens in a new tab)
Text-to-speech, alternate formats and assistive technology for University of Delaware students.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
University of Delaware Literacy Learning Pathway (opens in a new tab)
Funded online literacy courses for eligible Delaware elementary public and charter school educators.
Schools for dyslexia in Delaware
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
4 of 4 shown
- Dyslexia school
Centreville Layton School(opens in a new tab)
Centreville · New Castle County · Grades Transitional K-12
Private Transitional K-12 school with structured literacy for dyslexia and language differences.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
The Pilot School(opens in a new tab)
Wilmington · New Castle County · Ages 5-14
Private Wilmington school for students ages 5-14 with language-based learning differences.
Financial aid - Public district
Capital School District(opens in a new tab)
Dover · Kent County
Reading screening tests for all students in kindergarten through grade 8.
Screens for dyslexia - Public districtClassroom program
Indian River School District(opens in a new tab)
Selbyville · Sussex County
Core Knowledge Language Arts Skills instruction in early grades, with added staff training.
Dyslexia help by county in Delaware
Local schools, groups, and services in each guide.
How Delaware reads
Students and adults, next to the whole U.S.
4th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
8th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
Adults who struggle to read
Ages 16 to 74 at or below Level 1 in a national adult skills survey (PIAAC), data through 2017
NAEP Proficient is a high bar, not the same as “on grade level.” Adult figures are model estimates. Sources: The Nation’s Report Card and the U.S. PIAAC Skills Map, both from NCES.
See reading scores in every stateAlso good, in every state
Bookshare (opens in a new tab)
Ebooks read aloud with highlighting, free for U.S. students with dyslexia; adults pay a yearly fee.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) (opens in a new tab)
Find your state's federally funded parent center for help with special education.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Provider Directory (opens in a new tab)
Search IDA's directory for dyslexia testing, tutoring, therapy, and advocacy near you.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (opens in a new tab)
Free, confidential advice on job accommodations for adults with dyslexia, by phone or email.
Learning Ally (opens in a new tab)
Human-read audiobooks for students with dyslexia. Families pay yearly; your school may already offer it.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) (opens in a new tab)
Free audiobooks by mail or app for children and adults with a reading disability like dyslexia.
Delaware dyslexia questions
Is a 504 plan the same as an IEP?
No. An IEP gives special education services to a student who needs them. A 504 plan gives accommodations to a student with a disability who does not need special education.
SourceDoes a reading screener diagnose dyslexia?
No. It identifies reading risk, including characteristics of dyslexia. An evaluation and special education eligibility decision are separate steps.
SourceMust I wait until 2027 for reading help?
No. Approved interventions have been required for students with a potential reading deficiency since July 1, 2024. The 2027-28 deadline concerns curriculum adoption and teacher professional learning.
SourceWhere can I get free disability advocacy?
Disability Rights Delaware gives free advocacy to residents with disabilities, including help with special education. It cannot take every case, so call the office in your county.
SourceCan dyslexic readers use talking books?
Delaware Library Access Services serves people unable to use standard print because of a reading disability. Its accessible books and playback equipment are free to eligible patrons.
SourceAre university reading evaluations free?
Only the first visit is confirmed free. The University of Delaware community clinic gives a free first consultation; ask what full testing costs.
SourceAre there schools for dyslexia in Delaware?
Yes. This guide lists 2 schools built for students with dyslexia: Centreville Layton School (Centreville), The Pilot School (Wilmington). Public districts with reading programs are listed too.
How well do students read in Delaware?
In 2024, 26% of Delaware 4th graders scored Proficient in reading on the NAEP test (U.S.: 30%). Proficient is a high bar: solid grade-level reading and more.
Neighboring states
Learn more
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Sources for this page (6)
- delcode.delaware.gov — Limited to the opened screening statute; a separate current standalone state definition was not confirmed.
- delcode.delaware.gov — Approved curricula align with science-of-reading research. Deadline is before 2027-2028; no separate three-cueing ban is claimed.
- education.delaware.gov — Pages 10-11; school may alternatively file for due process, without unreasonable delay. School evaluation disagreement is required.
- delcode.delaware.gov — Teacher preparation programs must include evidence-based reading components, including phonics and language-based learning disabilities.
- education.delaware.gov — Official Early Literacy Plan 2025-2028; guidance is not represented as a dyslexia-specific handbook.
- education.delaware.gov — State complaints normally resolved within 60 days; due-process filing normally within two years. Consult current safeguards for exceptions and hearing timelines.
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