Now accepting new students
One-on-one reading help for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade
Lessons with Sarah Skolnik, a credentialed teacher with a master's degree in reading. In person in Poway or online.
As featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune
Does your child struggle with reading?
Then you have come to the right place. Reading is a developmental process, and with the right instruction and support, every child can experience success.
Young Reader Support provides intensive one-on-one instruction for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade who need extra support or a jump start in reading. Every lesson uses SIPPS, a research-based reading program, adapted to your child.
When we started seeing Mrs. Skolnik, my daughter felt very discouraged attempting to read words on her own and had very few sight words that she recognized. After our first lesson, I already noticed a spark in my daughter that was lit up and excited for her next meeting.
How it works
Free phone consultation
Tell Sarah about your reader, ask your questions, and find a time that works.
Diagnostic assessment
Your child's starting point is measured so instruction begins at their point of need.
Placement in SIPPS
Your reader is placed at the right level of the program, never too easy and never too hard.
Lessons twice a week
Interactive 30-minute lessons with proven techniques that solidify the reading foundation.
After every class, she always tells me that reading with Mrs. Sarah is the happiest part of her day.
SIPPS: research-based skills instruction
SIPPS stands for Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words. It is a structured literacy approach to foundational skills, with explicit routines and immediate practice reading connected text and spelling.
As young readers acquire these skills, they become fluent and independent readers.
An individualized reading plan
Every student starts with a pinpointed assessment, so they begin right where they should be. Sarah brings her own expertise and classroom experience to the SIPPS curriculum, so lessons are tailored to the unique needs of your child and they can thrive at their own pace. As their skills grow, children start to enjoy reading, which feeds their imagination and builds a solid foundation for ongoing learning.
Besides the regular SIPPS program, Sarah puts great thought into choosing books that match my daughter's reading level and interests, which helps my daughter feel more confident and willing to participate.
- Phonological awarenessKnowing that sounds create words.
- PhonicsUsing those sounds to decode unfamiliar words.
- Sight wordsRecognizing common words that don't follow the rules of phonics.
- FluencyReading easily and smoothly.
- ComprehensionProcessing and analyzing what you read.
Each skill rests on the one beneath it. SIPPS builds them in order.
Meet your teacher
My name is Sarah Skolnik. I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and received a Washington State Teaching Certificate. In 1998 I completed a Master's degree in Reading/Language Arts at the University of Houston, while teaching preschool and teaching reading to kindergarten students. I have also earned a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
I was a second grade teacher at Garden Road Elementary in Poway, California and at Marshall Elementary in Vancouver, Washington. I have always been extremely interested in developmental reading. For six years I was an Impact Teacher at Painted Rock Elementary in Poway, helping students who needed extra support in their learning. That is where I was introduced to SIPPS. I have worked with many reading programs, and I have been especially excited about the results of this one.
I hope to instill in students the excitement and love of reading. If you are interested, please contact me. I would love to help your young reader learn and grow!
Sarah Skolnik
Teaching children is my love, and I'm always learning and growing, too. Every single student is special to me, and I want them all to succeed.
- Master's degree, Reading/Language ArtsUniversity of Houston
- Bachelor of Arts, EducationPacific Lutheran University
- California Multiple Subject Teaching CredentialAlso certified in Washington State
- 11 years teaching elementary schoolWashington and California
- Impact Teacher for six yearsPainted Rock Elementary, Poway
- Featured in The San Diego Union-TribuneJanuary 2026
My son is naturally chatty and easily distracted, which can make learning challenging. However, Sarah has a gift for gently redirecting his attention and keeping him engaged throughout each session.
Fees and schedule
per 30-minute private session
- How often
- Twice a week is highly suggested to progress in the SIPPS program.
- Where
- In person in Poway, CA 92064, or online.
- When
- Monday to Thursday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
- Cancellations
- A $20 fee applies to any cancellation made with less than 24 hours notice.
The investment in her tutoring services has paid off tremendously.
Stories from families
Not only did my daughter catch up, she ended up reading above grade level. What meant the most to me was that she truly fell in love with reading.
Book a free phone consultation
Space is limited. Reach out today and Sarah will get back to you within 24 hours.
- Call or text858-255-0152
- Emailsarah@youngreadersupport.com