You have decided that you should hire a tutor for your child. Where should you go from there? How do you find a reputable tutor? If no one recommends one to you, what should you be looking for in a tutor?
First place to look for a tutor is through referrals. Talk to your friends – do any of them use the services of a tutor? If so, do they recommend the person? Ask specific questions – does the tutor assess the new student? Do they liaise with the classroom teacher(s), etc. I will post a list of things to look for at the bottom of this page.
Next, speak to your child’s teacher. Perhaps they are able to recommend a good tutor. The best tutors have a relationship with the classroom teacher, to ensure that they are all working “on the same page”. Get the tutor’s information from the classroom teacher.
Failing that, search online for tutors in your area. The best will show up in your Google search. See if they have a website. Check it out. Give the tutor a call. Perhaps set up an “interview” with the tutor. Any tutor who is reputable will gladly meet with you to discuss your needs, and to show you how they are able to meet those needs successfully. Take your child to meet with the tutor before you commit, as you can watch how the adult interacts with your child. Ask for references. Check them out!!
Things to ask the potential tutor:
- Are you a certified teacher?
- What did you teach?
- Do you provide all necessary equipment?
- Where do you meet? May I check out the space?
- May I meet you? May my child meet with you before we make a commitment.
- Do you provide weekly reports or feedback?
- Do you work in conjunction with the classroom teacher?
- Do you assess and then program for your students accordingly?
- Do you provide a written plan?
Ask all of these questions. If you have, and still aren’t sure, drop me a line. We can “chat”.