Community Learning Center

The Community Learning Center (CLC) is Gaynor’s free, after school, reading remediation program for first and second graders in New York City public schools who exhibit signs of dyslexia or who are otherwise behind grade level in reading. The program was started in 2007 by Lower Division Director Donna Logue and is now co-directed by Educational Evaluation Associate for Admissions Kate Adlin and Reading Specialist Kristi Evans. Our partner local public schools, PS 166 and PS 84, help identify kindergarten students in need of extra reading tutoring and then refer them to Gaynor to begin the program as first graders.

During an academic year, students meet for one hour, twice a week to gain valuable tutoring lessons from Gaynor staff, with assistance from alumni volunteers and current students. Lessons occur in small groups and teachers draw on their extensive experience with the Orton-Gillingham approach, directly supplementing the instruction students receive in their regular classrooms.

The CLC provides a boost to the students’ regular program, which can often get them back on grade level and simultaneously increase their self-esteem. CLC teachers are skilled at creating fun, engaging, yet instructional lessons, evidenced not only by the students’ increased reading skills, but also by the big hugs teachers receive when students enter our lobby each week.

Through the CLC, public school students gain a chance to stay on track with their studies, while Gaynor students have an opportunity to perfect the skills they’ve been taught every day, helping to build self-confidence. On average, 10-15 students graduate from the program each year, all with significant reading improvements.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the CLC remains free to students in the program. Donations to the Annual Fund cover the cost of operation of the CLC which include subsidizing stipends for teachers, snacks, supplies, and a new book each student receives at the end of the year.