These days, most tutors don’t hang out a shingle, so it can be tricky to find the right one. But you just have look in the right spot. Here are a seven places to find a tutor:
- Your Child’s Teacher
They can help you decide what type of tutoring your child needs, so you can narrow down the list of tutors to look for. They may even refer you to your school’s guidance counselor for more help or referrals. Often, teachers are even willing to do some tutoring after hours or can refer you to retired colleagues who still like to work one-on-one with students. Go back to your child’s former teachers to see if they are available for tutoring, or if they can refer you to someone who is. Student teachers at your school are another great resource.
- Other Families
Have your child’s friends used tutors? Do your friends know any? If they have older children, are they interested in tutoring? This can be a great and lower-cost option, especially if your child needs basic extra help in a subject area.
- The PTA
The PTA president or committee members at your children’s school is a good resource. Ask about local tutoring services in your town or school district.
- Local Schools
Call your local high schools and universities to inquire about job-matching services for students. There are often online job boards for students, or you may be able to place an ad in the school’s newspaper. For local colleges and universities, call their school of education. Ask if they have a list of students who tutor. This may be an excellent resource for finding education majors looking for tutoring work in a number of subject areas.
- Online
Check websites (like care.com!) that list tutors for hire, or consider posting a job for your tutoring needs. Look for tutors with good reviews who fit your student’s needs.
- Local Centers and Organizations
Inquire at local senior centers about tutoring services. For foreign language tutors, check a local cultural group, such as the Alliance Francaise. Your local YMCA or YWCA, as well as faith-based centers, such as a local JCC often have tutoring services available to the public.
- Your Sitter
Ask your babysitter, nanny or regular child care provider if they know anyone who would make a good tutor. In some cases, your babysitter may be qualified and willing to help.
Tiffany Smith is the senior associate editor here at Care.com. She has written for All You, Time for Kids and the Boston Globe. And as a former babysitter, she knows a lot about fun games to play with kids. Getting them to eat their veggies — that’s a different story! Follow her on Twitter @tiffanyiswrite.
