Finding The Right Tutor For Your Child

The right tutor can make a world of difference for a child struggling with schoolwork. Turning academic frustration into achievement is difficult and tricky. It's not the end-all answer for every kid, but a positive tutoring experience can give children the confidence to problem solve in their own lives. Here are some helpful criteria collected from well respected Lamorinda tutors and parents who've used tutors in the past:

Networking. To find a tutor, you must get referrals from other parents who've had success with a particular tutor or tutoring service.  If that tutor is full up, ask them for a referral to someone whose work they respect. Most Lamorinda schools will not recommend private tutors since they're not able to screen them. Ask other parents.

Relate-ability.  Sounds obvious, but within a meeting or two, your child should feel comfortable saying "I just don't get this."  A good tutor will have more than one way to explain a concept and will keep trying until an explanation works.  

Chemistry.   If the chemistry between your child and the tutor isn't there, cut your losses and find someone else.  

Peers or Pros.  Adult professional tutors often have years of experience and training in various educational techniques and learning problems.  However, don't shy away from a good high school or college aged tutor.  There are some fantastic ones out there, and sometimes it helps a lot with the chemistry factor.  Kids tend to respect older kids automatically. Do observe any tutor with your child early on so you can see how the work is being done.

Organization or Homework?  Sometimes a child's learning needs are focused on understanding the work, and other times organizational skills are what is most needed. Talk about it with the tutor.  You may need help from an educational evaluation (teacher, i.e.p. team) to sort this out.

Moving Forward.  No moving forward on the coursework without understanding first.  A tutor who moves past material before the student is comfortable with it is just going to create frustration and feelings of inadequacy (not to mention distrust).  Your child should end up feeling good about the effort because they are finding their own way to learn the concept. 

At Home versus Offsite.  Sometimes the venue of the tutoring makes a difference.  Shyer kids may benefit most from someone coming to your home.  

In addition to getting networking for names with other parents, here are some local resources recommended by Lamorinda tutors:

Lafayette Academy Two Lamorinda locations: 3400 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette (925) 284-1644; 1400 Moraga Way, Moraga (925) 376-0747 

College Nannies & Tutors  Lamorinda/Danville franchise (925) 550-6738; or contact Dave Culp:  danvilleca@collegenannies.com

Peer Tutoring, Acalanes: Acalanes Students can drop in for help during lunch, 7th period, or after school until 4pm.  Located in the enclosed hallway next to the small theater. The peer tutors are juniors and seniors who have been selected for their knowledge and ability to help others. Contact Fran Taylor or Mary McCosker by e-mail if you have further questions.  ftaylor@acalanes.k12.ca.us or mmccosker@acalanes.k12.ca.us

Peer Tutoring, Campolindo: Peer tutoring services in room B2, Monday through Thursday from 3:10 to 4:00.  For more information contact Kingsley Grafft:  kgrafft@acalanes.k12.ca.us

Student Tutoring, Miramonte:  There is a list of student tutors for hire available by contacting Eloise Schneider eschneider@acalanes.k12.ca.us (925) 280-3935