How to Choose a Tutor for Your Child
Every child will benefit from one-on-one instruction (which is not the norm during the school day). Some parents seek tutoring for enrichment purposes, although most seek it for intervention purposes. If you feel intervention is needed by seeking tutoring for your academically struggling child, there are some things to consider so that you have a good fit.
Consider the age and personality of the child
Does your child need to form a relationship with someone to open up to them? Or perhaps they need to be in the habit of seeing the same person each week for help? Choosing a private tutor might be what you want in this case. If a session has to be cancelled, you will simply reschedule, and not see another person in his/her place. On the other hand, does your child need tutoring in an environment other than a house or library (where many private tutoring sessions happen)? The particular structure or lighting or even “formal environment” might work for them. Tutoring franchise businesses offer this with workbooks, assessments, and cubicles.
Consider the subject matter that needs addressed
Private tutors are found rather easily for the elementary grade levels. Just a little asking around through friends and local social media groups, you can usually get a recommendation for a practicing or retired teacher. Sometimes school personnel keep a list of tutors for parents who ask. An experienced educator will have the practice "getting through" to other children who have very similar learning gaps to your child.
Private tutors can also be found for upper level grades, particularly in math. They aren’t as common, however, so you might consider a franchise tutoring business. These places of business usually have organized programs to pinpoint where the gaps in learning are (sometimes they are the result of a poor foundation in the early grades). Some tutoring franchises will offer practice ACT tests so they can guide your child into raising their composite score in the most effective way.
Consider convenience of scheduling and budget
Private tutors have limited schedules (because they are only one person) unless they are working with a group of private tutors who are contracted out. As long as you can agree on a time for tutoring, however, it won’t limit you. Private tutors most often cost less. They receive 100% of what you pay without having to pay rent and utilities for a building. Sometimes they can charge less if you are meeting them in their home. Some may be open to bartering services with your family.
Franchise tutoring businesses offer more hours available to schedule tutoring sessions. They can tutor at the tutoring business locations, but sometimes have their students meet you in your own home. It really depends on the business. Because there is a business location, tutoring charges need to cover that cost, as well as the cost of paying employees to drive to your home, the fees will be more.
Your child may not be excited about the prospect of tutoring, but see it through for at least 4-5 sessions. If the tutor is experienced, you will notice a positive difference in that time (as long as you follow-through at home with the suggestions they give). Many younger children with whom I've met in my tutoring experiences think it's "cool" to have a tutor. Some of their siblings even have a bit of jealousy when it comes time for big brother or big sister to come. As with any adult with whom your child meets, check and double check references. Ask for resumes. You are the parent and can even ask to sit and observe the tutoring session. Many parents with whom I've worked make remarks such as "I'd never thought of that," so be sure to ask questions about the methods the tutor is using to teach your child. You may learn a thing or two that will work for you at home as well!