Online Certification Program for Dyslexia Specialists (OCPDS)
Program Overview
OCPDS uses Neuhaus' structured literacy curriculum, Concepts in Literacy — systematic, sequential, and comprehensive. Grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach and the science of reading, the curriculum develops phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, writing, and comprehension through multisensory instruction.
The program prepares educators to provide targeted intervention for students with dyslexia or reading and spelling challenges. Throughout training, each specialist receives individualized guidance from both a Neuhaus instructor and a Neuhaus mentor for support, feedback, and assignment review.
Program Expectations
The program unfolds across three phases over 16 weeks, with 24 months to complete all requirements.
Phases
- 1 Phase 1: Weeks 1–10
- 2 Phase 2: Weeks 11–13
- 3 Phase 3: Weeks 14–16
16-Week Coursework
Participants attend live virtual classes, plan and present lesson components and full Concepts in Literacy lessons, and complete self-paced modules with quizzes and assignments. Expect 8–10 hours per week during active phases.
Extended Assignments
Dyslexia Specialist Preparation Program (DSPP)
Neuhaus Education Center's Tier III program offers extensive coursework and supervised practica leading to certification for teachers and therapists working with individuals with dyslexia and related disorders. Basic Language Skills serves as the core curriculum, taught through two comprehensive courses.
DSPP is recognized by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC), meets Texas licensure requirements, and satisfies membership criteria for the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).
Prerequisites apply.
DSPP Level I — Dyslexia Practitioner
Prepares individuals to become Dyslexia Practitioners, completing a continuous cycle of preparation in 9–24 months. A Bachelor's degree is required.
DSPP Level II — Dyslexia Therapist
Prepares individuals to become Reading Therapists or Dyslexia Therapists, completing a continuous cycle of preparation in 24–60 months. A Master's degree is required.