Beat the Summer Tutoring Drought
3 Tips For Finding The Best Reading Tutor before They Are Full
It is already March! That means lots of sun, fun, family vacations, and taking the time to pick up that book you’ve been wanting to read. For many of us and our kids, this is not a big deal. However for lots of children, reading is a chore and the last thing they want to do.
Does your child fall in this category? Are they on an IEP struggling with reading, writing, and spelling? Are they not yet on an IEP but struggle with reading? If so, it is time to lock down help for your struggling reader so that they feel more confident when they return to school and don’t fall behind even further.
Here are three tips to get ahead of the pack and find the “right fit” tutor for your child:
1. Word of Mouth
Ask other parents and teachers who they recommend. Your child’s teacher is a great resource. They have an insider’s view to other students they have taught that may have had the same reading struggles, Often when teachers see their former students make tremendous growth, they will have the name of the specialist that student worked with, or they can reach out to that parent to get the tutor’s name. If you're in a parent Facebook group, that can also be a great resource. Look for posts, or create your own and ask who other parents recommend. Most of my clients come from word of mouth or through other teachers. It’s a great compliment and a reliable way to find the best fit for your child.
2. Tutoring Directory
Another great resource is to check for directories that list reading tutors in your area. The Center for Effective Reading Instruction (an affiliate of the International Dyslexia Association), has a directory on their website and you can check for a structured literacy specialist in your area. These specialists are verified by the center which has rigorous standards and requirements. There are three levels of certification, allowing you to choose the most qualified reading specialist for your child. See the link below.
3. Interview the Tutor
Book a call with the tutor. Tell them about your child. Ask questions about how they could meet your child’s needs. It is important to look for a tutor that uses the Orton Gillingham Approach, a multisensory, prescriptive, explicit, sequential, and diagnostic approach to teach individuals that struggle with reading, spelling and writing. Furthermore, make sure the tutor has a deep knowledge of the science of reading, and received training in this area. Most tutors that have these credentials will book up quickly or at least be filling their schedule well before the summer. If the tutor is full they will most likely have a referral or a waiting list you can be put on. Be prepared depending on your area that the hourly cost may range from $65-$125.00 per hour.
If you find your ideal match but they are full, see if they have group lessons with other students that fit into the same skill set as your child. Normally group classes are relatively small and have a lower hourly rate. This may be all your child needs or a great option until private sessions open up.
Resources:
Structured Literacy Specialists by State
International Dyslexia Association Resource on The Science of Reading
Fact Sheet on Structured Literacy by The International Dyslexia Association
