Back to School, But Still Struggling to Read? What Parents Need to Know | Kirby Frank | TLC

Back-to-school season brings new teachers, new routines—and for some parents, the realization that their child may be struggling more than expected. On this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Kirby Frank, owner of Tidewater Learning Center in Virginia Beach, to talk about what parents should actually be watching for when it comes to reading, learning differences, and academic confidence. Kirby shares her journey from the classroom to becoming the owner of Tidewater Learning Center and why she became passionate about helping families get to the root of a child’s learning challenges. They break down early warning signs, dyslexia and ADHD, educational evaluations, IEPs, structured literacy, and what terms like Orton-Gillingham actually mean for a parent trying to help their child. The conversation also explores a critical transition in a child’s education: the early years are about learning to read, while later grades increasingly require students to read in order to learn. When foundational skills are missing, those gaps can become harder to overcome. Most importantly, this episode gives parents practical questions to ask when their instincts are telling them their child may need more support. Tidewater Learning Center provides educational evaluations, individualized tutoring, structured literacy support, and consultation for families navigating IEPs and other educational needs throughout Hampton Roads. Tidewater Learning Center (https://tidewaterlearningcenter.com/f...) Kirby Frank, C-SLDI is the owner of Tidewater Learning Center in Virginia Beach. Kirby holds degrees in Education and Communications from the University of North Florida and has more than a decade of experience as an educator, including five years teaching second grade. Tidewater Learning Center (https://tidewaterlearningcenter.com/a...) Today, she leads a team focused on helping students and families better understand the root causes of academic challenges through individualized tutoring, educational evaluations, structured literacy instruction, and educational consulting. Tidewater Learning Center serves families throughout Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads region. Tidewater Learning Center (https://tidewaterlearningcenter.com/f...) Tidewater Learning Center (https://tidewaterlearningcenter.com/?...)