If your child has special educational needs and you are looking for specialist tutoring support, the cost can feel like a significant barrier. Many parents assume that expert one-on-one tutoring for dyslexia, reading difficulties, or other learning disabilities is simply out of reach financially. But there is a funding option that many families in the United States are not aware of — and it could make specialist tutoring completely accessible for your child.
It is called SDP funding — the Student Development Program — and at The Learnability, we are one of the few specialist online tutoring providers that accepts it. In this guide we explain exactly what SDP funding is, who qualifies for it, how to apply, and how to use it to pay for specialist reading intervention and tutoring for your child.
What Is SDP Funding?
The Student Development Program (SDP) is a funding initiative designed to help families access educational support services for children with special educational needs and learning disabilities. It provides funding that can be used to pay for specialist tutoring, reading intervention programs, educational therapy, and other support services that are not fully provided by the public school system.
SDP funding recognises that many children with learning disabilities need specialist support that goes beyond what is available within a standard school setting — and that families should not be prevented from accessing that support solely because of cost. The program is designed to bridge this gap, ensuring that children who need specialist educational support can access it regardless of their family's financial situation.
At The Learnability, we accept SDP funding for our full range of specialist tutoring programs — including our Orton-Gillingham tutoring, Wilson Reading System, Seeing Stars program, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and special needs tutoring services.
Who Qualifies for SDP Funding?
SDP funding is available to families of children who have been identified as having special educational needs or learning disabilities. Eligibility criteria vary by state, but in general the program is designed for children who:
- Have a diagnosed learning disability such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia
- Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan from their school
- Have been identified by an educational psychologist or specialist as having significant learning difficulties
- Have special educational needs related to autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or other conditions that affect learning
- Are not receiving adequate specialist support through the public school system
In some cases, children who have not yet received a formal diagnosis but who show clear signs of significant learning difficulty may also be eligible. If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, the best first step is to contact your state's education department or a specialist SDP funding advisor.
At The Learnability, we can help guide you through the eligibility process and provide the documentation needed to support your SDP funding application. Contact us to find out more.
What Can SDP Funding Be Used For?
SDP funding can typically be used to pay for a range of educational support services for children with special educational needs, including:
- Specialist reading tutoring — one-on-one structured literacy intervention for children with dyslexia and reading difficulties
- Reading intervention programs — including Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, Lindamood-Bell programs, and other evidence-based approaches
- Special needs tutoring — specialist support for children with ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, and other learning disabilities
- Educational assessments — specialist reading assessments to identify the nature and extent of a child's learning difficulties
- Online tutoring — specialist tutoring delivered virtually, which is particularly valuable for families in areas where specialist in-person support is limited
All of the services provided by The Learnability fall within the categories typically covered by SDP funding. We provide full documentation to support funding claims and work with families to ensure the process is as straightforward as possible.
How to Apply for SDP Funding
The SDP funding application process varies by state but generally follows these steps:
Step 1 — Gather Documentation of Your Child's Needs
The first step is to gather documentation that demonstrates your child's special educational needs. This typically includes a current IEP or 504 plan from your child's school, a psychoeducational assessment or learning disability evaluation, and any relevant reports from educational psychologists, specialist tutors, or other professionals who have assessed your child.
If your child has not yet been formally assessed, this is the right time to arrange one. At The Learnability, we offer specialist reading assessments including our Orton-Gillingham Assessment, WIST Assessment, and Lindamood-Bell Assessment — all of which provide detailed documentation of your child's reading difficulties and support the funding application process.
Step 2 — Contact Your State Education Department
Each state administers SDP funding differently. Contact your state's department of education to find out the specific eligibility criteria, application process, and funding amounts available in your state. Many states have dedicated special education funding offices with staff who can guide you through the process.
Step 3 — Complete the Application
Once you have gathered the necessary documentation and understand your state's requirements, complete the SDP funding application. This typically involves submitting documentation of your child's special educational needs, information about the services you are seeking funding for, and details of the provider you plan to use.
Step 4 — Choose Your Provider
Once funding is approved, you can use it with an eligible provider. Not all tutoring providers accept SDP funding — it is important to confirm this before committing to any program. At The Learnability, we accept SDP funding and will work with you to ensure all the necessary documentation is in place for your claim.
Step 5 — Begin Tutoring
Once funding is confirmed and a provider is chosen, tutoring can begin. At The Learnability, we will carry out an initial assessment to identify your child's specific needs and recommend the right program — then begin delivering personalised one-on-one sessions as quickly as possible.
Why Choose The Learnability for SDP-Funded Tutoring?
At The Learnability, we are committed to making specialist tutoring accessible to every family that needs it — regardless of financial circumstances. We accept SDP funding because we believe that every child with special educational needs deserves access to expert, evidence-based support.
Here is what sets us apart as an SDP-funded tutoring provider:
Specialist Expertise
Our tutors are trained specialists in structured literacy and evidence-based intervention programs. We are not a general tutoring service — we are specialist reading and learning disability support providers with deep expertise in the programs that research shows work best for children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
Comprehensive Assessment
Every child who joins The Learnability begins with a thorough assessment to identify their specific profile of needs. This assessment also produces detailed documentation that can support your SDP funding application and any other funding or school accommodation processes you are involved in.
Fully Online and Accessible
All of our tutoring is delivered online through one-on-one sessions. This means your child can access specialist support wherever you are in the United States — without the need to travel to a clinic or tutoring centre. For families in areas where specialist in-person support is limited or unavailable, online delivery makes expert support genuinely accessible.
Full Documentation Support
We provide all the documentation needed to support SDP funding claims — including assessment reports, session records, and progress reports. We understand that the funding process can be complex and we are committed to making it as straightforward as possible for families.
Proven Programs
We use only evidence-based, research-supported intervention programs — including Orton-Gillingham, the Wilson Reading System, Seeing Stars, Visualizing and Verbalizing, the Talkies program, and our comprehensive reading intervention programs. These are the programs that funding bodies recognise and that produce real, lasting results for children with learning disabilities.
Other Funding Options for Specialist Tutoring
SDP funding is not the only option available to families seeking financial support for specialist tutoring. Here are other avenues worth exploring:
IEP Funding
If your child has an Individualized Education Program, they may be entitled to specialist support services funded by the school district. If the school is not providing adequate specialist reading support within the IEP, you may be able to request funding for private provision.
State Scholarship Programs
Many states offer scholarship or voucher programs specifically for children with special educational needs. These programs vary significantly by state — contact your state's education department for information about what is available in your area.
Health Insurance
Some health insurance plans cover educational therapy and specialist assessment for children with learning disabilities. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to ask what is covered under your plan.
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organisations provide grants and financial assistance to families of children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. The International Dyslexia Association and similar organisations can provide guidance on available financial support in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need a formal diagnosis to use SDP funding with The Learnability?
Eligibility requirements for SDP funding vary by state. In many cases a formal diagnosis or IEP is required. However, our specialist reading assessments can provide documentation that supports a funding application even before a formal diagnosis is in place. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
How much SDP funding is available?
Funding amounts vary significantly by state and individual circumstances. Contact your state's education department for specific information about the funding amounts available in your area and how they are calculated.
Can SDP funding be used for online tutoring?
Yes. Online tutoring from a qualified specialist provider is typically an eligible use of SDP funding. At The Learnability, we provide all the documentation needed to confirm our eligibility as a specialist provider for funding purposes.
How long does the SDP funding application process take?
Timelines vary by state. Some applications are processed within a few weeks. Others can take several months. We recommend starting the application process as soon as possible and contacting The Learnability to begin the assessment process in parallel — so that tutoring can begin as quickly as possible once funding is approved.
What if my SDP funding does not cover the full cost of tutoring?
We are committed to working with families to make our services as accessible as possible. Contact us to discuss your situation and we will do our best to find a solution that works for your family.
Do Not Let Cost Be a Barrier to Getting Your Child the Support They Need
Every child with special educational needs deserves access to expert, evidence-based support — and SDP funding exists to make that possible. If you have been putting off seeking specialist tutoring for your child because of the cost, SDP funding could be the answer you have been looking for.
At The Learnability, we accept SDP funding and are committed to helping families navigate the process. Our specialist tutors deliver personalised, evidence-based reading intervention and special needs tutoring online through one-on-one sessions — giving your child the expert support they need, wherever you are in the United States.
Book your free trial session today and take the first step toward accessing the support your child deserves.
You can also contact us directly or call us at (310) 218-9466 — we are always happy to answer your questions about SDP funding and help you find the right path forward for your child.