The state is offering an online tool to help improve reading skills that are lacking due to remote learning.

More than a year of remote learning left many parents worried about their kids' academic progress.

"I think there is a big disconnect with a computer,” says parent Julia Rogers.

Reading on grade level is a big concern for parents such as Rogers who had to figure out how to teach during the pandemic.

"A year and a half after the pandemic, countless studies are showing that the learning loss associated with remote and virtual schooling is profound,” says United Way of Westchester and Putnam CEO Tom Gabriel.

A partnership between United Way of Westchester and Putnam, NYS PTA, and Learning Ovations is combating learning loss with a web-based tool called "Reading Checkup."

The new program is similar to one already being used in Elmsford Public Schools.

Officials tell News 12 the tool has drastically improved reading proficiency.

"The A2I program enables us to access those students frequently and see where there are gaps in learning and be able to intervene,” says Elmsford School District Superintendent Marc Baiocco.

Those interested should sign up online.

Students in kindergarten through third grade will take two quizzes that assess their reading literacy. From there, parents are given recommended reading times and activities that can be done in as little as 10 minutes at home.

"The idea is to make it as simple and as effective for parents as possible,” says Alana Sweeny of Learning Ovations.

The program costs $16 per year, but scholarships are available for children in Westchester and Putnam counties through the United Way.