What you should know about tutoring?

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Parents seeking tutoring for children with disabilities should consider a range of legal rights, educational needs, and practical options to ensure their child receives the most effective support.

 

1. Tutoring Is Not a Replacement for Special Education Services

• Schools are legally required to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• If a child needs specialized instruction or support, it should be included in the IEP—not outsourced to a private tutor at the parent's expense.

⚠️ Tutoring should supplement, not replace, IEP services.

 

2. Know the Difference: Compensatory Education vs. Private Tutoring

• If a school fails to provide appropriate services (e.g., during COVID closures or staffing shortages), parents may be entitled to compensatory education—which could include tutoring paid for by the school district.

• This requires documentation and sometimes a due process hearing or agreement with the school.

 

3. Choose Tutors with Appropriate Experience

When selecting a tutor:

• Look for someone with experience working with students who have similar disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, autism).

• Ask if the tutor is trained in specific evidence-based interventions, such as:

  • Orton-Gillingham (for dyslexia)

  • ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)

  • Executive functioning coaching

• Ensure the tutor can adapt materials and teaching methods to your child’s learning style and needs.

 

4. Tutoring Can Be Written Into the IEP

• If your child requires specialized instruction outside of the classroom, it can be added to the IEP as a related service (e.g., reading intervention, math support).

• Parents can request this during an IEP meeting.

 

You might say: “My child is not making adequate progress with current reading instruction. I’m requesting specialized tutoring as an IEP service.”

 

5. Funding Options for Tutoring

• School-paid tutoring (under IEP or compensatory education).

• State or local disability scholarships/vouchers (varies by location).

• Private pay (some services may be tax-deductible as medical expenses if prescribed).

• Nonprofits or disability organizations may offer free or reduced-cost tutoring. (Bethlehem and Allentown Public Library offer this)

 

6. Track Progress Carefully

• Whether tutoring is school-funded or private, track your child’s:

  • Academic improvement

  • Engagement and confidence

  • Feedback from teachers

• Good tutors will provide regular updates and data on your child’s progress.

 

7. Online vs. In-Person Tutoring

• Both can be effective, but children with disabilities may need:

  • More visual or tactile support

  • Breaks or behavioral reinforcement

  • An engaging, distraction-free environment

 

💡 Final Tip:

Always align tutoring goals with your child’s IEP or 504 Plan—and communicate regularly with both the tutor and the school.