Types of Tutors

There are many types of tutors and tutoring services. Parents in rural or isolated areas may be limited to teachers from the school system, retired teachers, individuals with expertise in a certain area from the community, or high school and college students.

However, students teaching students can be a less than ideal situation. Collins says, "Many times student-to-student tutoring doesn't work because kids are embarrassed to say they don't know something. The students teaching also don't have the experience to explain things."

More urban areas are likely to have programs offering tutoring services. These range from learning centers that teach their own curriculum such as Huntington, Sylvan Learning Centers, and Kumon, to services like Club Z that will find an in-home tutor to fit your needs.

If you don't want to hire a service or there aren't any in your area, try these tips to find potential tutors:

• Check your local newspaper or phone book for ads and listings.
  
  
• Ask your child's guidance counselor, classroom teacher, or special services provider at school for references.
  
  
• Contact a local college or high school for prospective tutors.
  
  
• Check bulletin/community boards at your place of worship, the local library, or your area's rec center.
  
  
• Network with people you know. Your favorite babysitter may tutor or have a friend who tutors. Your pediatrician and other parents may also have resources for you. A personal referral can give you extra confidence.
  
  
• Search the key word "tutoring" on the Internet.

In all cases, make sure to interview the tutor and ask for references, which you should check out to understand the tutor's style and personality, as well as his or her experience and qualifications and how they will fit with your child's needs.