Empowering Readers with Compassionate Expertise
Welcome to Early Literacy Labs—a place where learning feels personal, progress feels possible, and every child is met with patience and compassion.
Early Literacy Labs is a Vermont-based literacy practice committed to helping every child experience the joy and confidence that come from reading success. Nestled in the heart of Waitsfield, we specialize in research-backed literacy instruction tailored to the unique needs of each learner. Whether your child is just beginning their literacy journey or needs targeted support, we're here to help them grow.
Our Story: A Mission to Help Every Child Thrive
As classroom teachers, literacy specialists, and university instructors with over two decades of experience, we've met many bright, motivated students who were working hard, yet still struggling with literacy despite their effort and potential.
What we've learned: When students receive evidence-based reading instruction that is explicit, structured, and supported with deliberate practice, they make meaningful progress, and their confidence grows.
Early Literacy Labs was created to offer this kind of instruction in a supportive, student-centered environment. Whether in-person here in Vermont or through remote sessions, our goal is to make high-quality literacy support more accessible to families who need it. Today, our mission remains clear: to provide compassionate, expert literacy support that's accessible to families across our Vermont community and beyond.
Every child deserves to feel successful, and we're here to help make that happen.
Schedule a Free Intro Call Today
Expertise That Makes A Difference
At Early Literacy Labs, expert instruction is more than a promise—it's our foundation. Our founder, Nicole Chick, leads our team with passion, decades of experience, and nationally recognized training in structured literacy.
- Over 20 Years of Experience: Classroom teaching, literacy specialization, and university-level instruction
- Advanced Credentials: a Master's Degree (M.S., Ed.) and a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Remedial Reading and Specialized Consulting
- Specialized Certifications: Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (C-SLDI) through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (one of three in Vermont) and Orton-Gillingham Associate Level Certified (A/OGA) through the Orton-Gillingham Academy.
- Dual State Licensure: Licensed Educator in both Vermont and Connecticut, covering Elementary Education and K-12 Specialization in Literacy.
- Educator of Educators: Experience as a University Professor, helping to shape the next generation of teachers.
Celebrating Success with Early Literacy Labs¸
We’re proud of the growth our students make—and even prouder of the confidence they build along the way.
Hear from the Vermont families and educators who’ve seen the impact of our work. Discover how individualized, research-based support is transforming not just literacy skills, but self-confidence and academic joy.
Confidence radiates off of my son after sessions with Nicole. She is able to drill in on his unique challenges, while helping him see his strengths. I am so grateful for her involvement in my son's life.
Becca N. ParentNicole's expertise, patience and innovative strategies made all the difference in supporting our daughter's literacy journey.
Jen S. ParentEarly Literacy Labs has given our child the skills to go from curious reader to bonafide bookworm. Her confidence to decode larger words has become so much stronger.
Nicole A. ParentWe have been incredibly fortunate to have Nicole work and advocate for our two daughters over the past three years. The progress they have made under her guidance has been momentous. Not only have both girls experienced solid improvement in their reading skills, but they have also gained confidence that has carried over into the classroom. Nicole brings patience, expertise, and genuine care to every session. She tailors her approach to meet each child's individual needs, and her encouragement has made a world of difference for our family. We are so grateful for her dedication and the positive impact she has had on our daughters' academic journeys and the community. We highly recommend Nicole to any family seeking reading support.
Katie B. ParentWorking with Nicole has really helped my reading. I like that she is artsy and uses games, like BINGO to teach me. The skills developed with Nicole make me feel more ready to take on challenges around me. This is why I like going to Nicole's.
Hazel B. StudentOur kids are making great progress with their literacy working with Nicole. They really enjoy their time with her and often ask, "when do I go back to Nicole's?" It's great to see them get excited to learn, and it's even better that we can see the results.
B.E. Parent
Your Local Partners in Literacy Success
At Early Literacy Labs, we know that academic growth begins with trust. As an independent, educator-led practice based right here in the Mad River Valley, we offer something different from big-name tutoring centers:
- Personalized support
- Flexible, child-centered programming
- Lessons that are thoughtfully tailored to each student's needs with compassion and care, not just scripted from a one-size-fits-all program
Whether your child has a formal dyslexia diagnosis or you're just beginning the literacy journey, you're in the right place. We've helped hundreds of families navigate this path—and we'd be honored to walk it with you.
Schedule a Free Intro Call Today- 20+ Years of Experience
- 100+ Families Assisted
