Frequently Asked Questions FOR PARENTS

Why work with a certified OG Practitioner?

Simply put, people who put in the time and effort to become certified are people who demonstrate a committment to professionalism, life long learning, and a passion for research based interventions to support children with language based learning differences.

Who certifies OG Practitioners?

The certifying body for Orton-Gillingham (OG) in Canada is called OG Canada (Formerly the Canadian Academy of Therapeutic Tutors (CATT-OG)). Most Canadian practitioners are certified through us, however there are other USA based accrediting organisations that some Canadians belong to.

What training or education do certified Structured Literacy - OG Practitioners have?

To become a OG Canada certified Structured Literacy - OG practitioner, a trainee must have a university degree or equivalent training/experience, have successfully completed courses taught by an OG Canada certified trainer, and completed a supervised practicum.

Once these requirements have been met, the trainee is eligible to become a OG Canada Associate-Interim and a certified structured literacy - OG practitioner. To become a OG Canada Associate, a Practitioner has to complete 100 hours of documented field experience and undergo a final evaluation by an OG Canada supervisor.

Is there a code of ethics for certified OG Practitioners?

Yes, OG Canada certified OG practitioners are obliged to follow a Code of Ethics & Standards. You can see the Code of Ethics & Standards right here.

What else sets apart certified practitioners?

New practitioners undergo a comprehensive screening process. Practitioners are required to keep a current criminal record check with us. Practitioners are required to take abuse prevention training annually and follow a strict abuse prevention best practices and procedures. Practitioners are required to keep up-to-date with best practices by completing pro-d every year. To certify, practitioners have proven that they are effective at intervening and helping children learn skills they previously struggled with. Certified Canadian practitioners are part of a community that supports and mentors from within.

People who certify have chosen to measure themselves against a standard of quality that we stand by. Certification ensures a structured system of oversight and accountability. OG Canada has a disciplinary procedure in place should a family need to make a complaint regarding one of our members.

Why are OG tutors now called OG practitioners?

Someone can have very few qualifications and call themselves a tutor. Certified OG practitioners, on the other hand, have extensive training and mentoring in teaching children with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other language-based learning disabilities.

Why is it important to check that a Practitioner is certified by OG Canada?

Unfortunately, there are unqualified tutors in the marketplace who use the Orton-Gillingham name to charge more for tutoring. When you hire an OG Canada-certified practitioner, you know that the practitioner has met certain criteria and is qualified to implement the OG approach.

Are all tutors at OG Centres certified by OG Canada?

Often, the OG Centre director has been certified by OG Canada, but not always. It’s okay to ask to see the director’s qualifications and to ask about the qualifications of their tutors. No one ought to be offended by a parent doing due diligence.

What if I am not sure if an OG Practitioner is certified by OG Canada?

Check out our membership directory. You can search our database to check if the practitioner you are considering for your child is listed there.

How can I improve my chances of finding an OG Practitioner?

There is a high demand for OG Practitioners. If you approach an OG Practitioner with an accommodating attitude, you are more likely to find an OG Practitioner for your child. For example, be willing to drive to the OG Practitioner's home-classroom or compromise on lessons times.

What’s the most important thing to do when I phone an OG Practitioner for the first time?

Be prepared to leave a message, including the best time to call back. Many OG practitioners work in a school during the day and/or work with their OG students after school and evenings and are not available to answer the phone.

What questions should I ask when contacting an OG Practitioner?

• Is the practitioner taking students right now?
• Does the practitioner like working with children like yours? (such as: introverted or active, primary-aged or teen) 
• Does the practitioner have the training or experience to work with additional diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, or anxiety? 
• What kind of contract will you be expected to sign? 
• What are your payment options? 
• Does the practitioner issue receipts? 
• How often will you get a report on your child’s progress? 
• Is the practitioner certified by OG Canada or AOGPE? 
• Is the practitioner a current member of their OG professional organization? (OG Canada, or AOGPE)

Why should I get a receipt from my child's OG Practitioner?

A receipt provides a record of services rendered and fees collected. In addition, you may be able use the receipts as a medical expense on your income tax return, if your child has been diagnosed with a language-based learning disability by a qualified psychologist. Check with your tax professional.

How do I interview an OG Practitioner?

First, contact all OG Practitioners referred to you by the OGP Referral Coordinator. Ask the questions listed in the question above. Once you find one or two OG Practitioners that you like, arrange to meet them face-to-face — either at your home if they travel to teach, or at the practitioner’s home-classroom. When you meet an OG Practitioner in person, be sure to bring your child. That way you will be able to see if your child and the practitioner are a good fit.

What do I look for when I meet an OG Practitioner for the first time?

• Ask to see the practitioner’s OG Canada (or CATT-OG) certificate (proves that the practitioner is certified). 
• Ask to see the practitioner’s membership card for the OG Canada for the current year (proves that the practitioner is a member in good standing). 
• Ask to see a copy of their Criminal Record Check if you are not sure that the practitioner is a member of OG Canada (Criminal Record Checks are kept up to date automatically if a practitioner is a member in good standing with OG Canada) 
• Does the OG Practitioner make their policies clear to you? 
• Does the OG Practitioner establish a connection with your child? 
• Does the OG Practitioner inspire confidence in you?

What policies should I ask the OG Practitioner about?

• Lesson cancellation policy: What happens when your child cannot attend a scheduled lesson? 
• Contract cancellation policy: How much notice does the practitioner need if you want to cease lessons? 
• Invoicing and payment policies: What kind of payment is accepted? Are invoices and/or receipts issued? How often? 
• Reporting policies: How often are progress reports issued? What is included?

What sort of business practices should an OG Practitioner have?

An OG Practitioner should have a business license. They also should have insurance, including liability insurance and home insurance (if they teach from home), and liability insurance and worker's compensation (if they come to your home). The OG Practitioner should also have a Criminal Record Check completed every five years. (Criminal Record Checks are kept up to date automatically if the practitioner is a member in good standing with OG Canada.)

What if I am not sure an OG Practitioner is going to be a good fit for my child?

Ask the OG Practitioner if they offer a three-month trial contract. At the end of three months you can meet with the OG Practitioner to decide if your child should continue.