Choosing a tutor
The right tutor, matched with the right child at the right time, can improve any student’s grasp of challenging educational material. Success stories abound. But tutors, like educators in general, can vary widely in their approach and skill sets.
Finding the right one is critical, especially if the student has physical or cognitive impairments. Students with special needs currently comprise about one-eighth of all students in the U.S., and the qualities these students require of a tutor can be a little different from qualities that mainstream students need.
So how do you find the right tutor to provide the academic help your child needs? Ideally, the candidates you interview should have a combination of three broad attributes: experience, credentials, and flexibility. That’s a lot to ask, but the rewards are worth the upfront effort. You’ll see it in the child’s face when there’s an “aha” moment.
Consider these strategies for finding and engaging with the right tutor for your child:
Experience: Your child’s tutor should have experience in real-world settings––and especially experience that matches your child’s needs as closely as possible. That translates to experience as a tutor (not only in a classroom setting); experience teaching the subject matter your child needs help with; experience working one-on-one with students who have special needs.
Credentials: First, the tutor should have a thorough working knowledge about the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as any state and local educational protections for students with special needs. If your child depends on assistive technology, the tutor needs to be comfortable with its use.
Flexibility: Kids are nothing if not unpredictable. The ability to adapt on short notice is key for any educator, and it’s doubly important for a tutor operating outside the confines of a classroom. The tutor will have to meet your child where they are in terms of any behavioral issues, cognitive abilities, physical impairments and tolerance for the unfamiliar. If any of your child’s challenges are listed in their IEP or 504 Plan, share that information if you’re comfortable doing so. Ask specifically how the tutor deals with disruptions, especially those that are most likely to occur with your child. Ideally, you want someone who is light on their feet, comfortable switching strategies seamlessly and prepared to roll with the punches. At the same time, you also want to screen for someone who creates a positive, nurturing learning environment.
Hope Haven offers a variety of tutoring options for students in all age groups. To learn more about our tutoring program, or to arrange a personalized tour of Hope Haven, call us at (904) 346-5100.