How can I help my neighbor's daughter catch up with her grade level in school.?

My neighbor recently asked me to tutor her daughter who is in the first grade. She admits to not helping her alot during the last two years because of a divorce and a battle with cancer . I really want to help the child. I just don't know where to begin. I was able to test her and discovered that she is really behind. Her teacher has been talking about placing her in a Special Education program. However, the principal rejected the referral.