Dyslexia Core Assessment Support Program
Up to $500 may be available to help cover the cost of a dyslexia core assessment
Louisiana now offers families financial support to help reduce the cost of a dyslexia core assessment when a child is identified as at risk for dyslexia through school screening.
Eligible parents and guardians may receive up to $500 per student, per year toward the cost of an assessment completed by a provider approved by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
This program, created through Act 517 (2024), helps families access timely, high-quality evaluations that can inform appropriate school supports and services.
Applications are submitted through a secure online portal.
Who Can Apply?
A parent or guardian may apply if:
- The student attends a Louisiana public school, and
- The student received an official “at risk for dyslexia” notification from the school, and
- The core assessment is completed by an LDOE-approved provider
Each student may receive up to $500 per year.
Important: This program does not replace assessments provided by schools. Schools remain responsible for completing core assessments when requested by parents.
What Is a Dyslexia Core Assessment?
A dyslexia core assessment is a comprehensive literacy evaluation used to determine whether a student has dyslexia. It may include:
- Testing of phonological and language skills
- Real-word and non-word reading tasks
- Oral reading fluency
- Spelling and writing tasks
- Review of academic history
- A brief parent or guardian interview
Parents receive a written report that can help schools plan supports, accommodations, or further evaluations.
Typical cost range: Private dyslexia evaluations often cost $500–$5,000. Many fall between $1,000–$3,000. The $500 reimbursement offsets a meaningful portion of this cost.
How to Apply for the Dyslexia Screening Assistance Program
Screening at School
Students receive dyslexia screening at school. Parents are notified if a student is identified as at risk.
1
Gather Required Information
Parents will need the school-issued at-risk letter and the student’s Louisiana Secure ID (LASID).
2
Apply in the Portal
Parents submit an application through the secure program portal.
3
Choose a Provider
After eligibility is confirmed, parents select an LDOE-approved provider through the portal and schedule the assessment directly with the provider.
4
Provider Payment
5
Before You Apply
- You must apply before scheduling the assessment
- You will need your child’s LASID
- The LASID must appear on the school’s at-risk letter
- You schedule directly with the provider
- Providers set their own prices
- Families will be responsible for costs above $500
- You must approve the provider invoice in the portal
Ready to Apply
The application portal is operated by a partner organization and may look different from the LDOE website.
Use the guidance on this page to prepare before entering the portal.
Communications Toolkit
Program Background and Oversight
This program is authorized by Act 517 (2024) and supported by related legislation to strengthen dyslexia screening, assessment access, and statewide oversight.
The program:
- Builds on required school-based dyslexia screening
- Strengthens parent choice
- Uses a centralized reimbursement process
- Includes fraud prevention and documentation review
- Supports early literacy statewide