How to Find A Reading Tutor in Plainsboro, NJ - 7 Steps to Success

How to Find A Reading Tutor in Plainsboro, NJ - 7 Steps to Success

Supporting your child with tutoring can set them up for a lifetime of success through reading ability and comprehension.  Expanding their vocabulary, reinforcing concepts of grammar and writing, and enhancing their understanding of what they read are all skills that can improve their outcomes through the entirety of their education journey, and into their chosen career paths as they progress into adulthood.

These steps are designed to help you research and choose the best reading tutor for your child. They go beyond just typing “reading tutor in Plainsboro, NJ” into a search engine and picking someone off the list.  Not only should you read reviews, consult your network, and review their qualifications - it's important to find a tutor that “clicks” with your child.  Tutoring can involve extra commitment from you and your child, making sure it's fun and educational will improve outcomes for all involved.

You’re not alone, according to the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics NCES, some 34% of students are below basic reading level in the fourth grade. Another 31% are below the proficient reading level. The fact that you’re looking for help to bolster your child’s reading skills speaks volumes to your commitment to their future.  Well done!

Step 1: Know What Your Child Needs - Get the Specifics!

Before you start your search - consult with your child’s teachers and get a roadmap of areas your child needs help with.  KNowing if work on phonics, sight words, vocabulary, or comprehension will improve your child’s reading experience is great knowledge to have to go into your search for a tutor. This helps you narrow down to the best-equipped tutors that can help your child grow their love of reading and writing.

Step 2: Get in Touch With Your Village

The adage “it takes a village to raise a child” could not be more true when it comes to a search for quality tutors.  More than likely there are parents with children in your child’s class who have already been down the “tutor research” path and can offer valuable advice as you start your search.  Reach out to your child’s teachers aunts and uncles - find out who the school counselors recommend.  If you have a school or neighborhood Facebook page, post that you’re looking for a great reading tutor and see who your expanded network may recommend.  

Step 3: Read Online Reviews

Don’t take anyone’s word for it, or pick the first tutor that comes up when you’re Googling - make sure you read those reviews - and not just from one source.  Google, Facebook, Yelp, Thumbtack, and other websites offer unbiased reviews that are not controlled by the tutors themselves and can be considered 3rd party.  This can give you a great insight into how the tutor adapts their technique and engages with the young minds entrusted to their care.

While online reviews can be manipulated, on some platforms it’s harder than others - so be sure to cast a wide net.  You can even ask the tutor for professional references that you can contact to get a feel for their ability to meet your child’s needs and help them grow beyond their current reading levels.

Step 4: Check Those Qualifications

While experience is valuable, specialized skills and certifications can be your secret weapons. Seek tutors with expertise in your child's specific needs, whether it's making sight word learning fun, improving spelling and grammar, or understanding how compound words and contractions work.  Whatever the need, a qualified and trained tutor will have a history of improving their craft and should be able to show you certifications, training, and skill enhancement documentation that shows their dedication to their job.

Step 5: Understand Your Budget and Discuss Your Needs Openly

Tutoring rates can vary across Plainsboro.  From private high-school students who don’t have specific experience tutoring young children all the way up to private preparatory schools - the budget required could be vastly different depending upon your needs.  Set a realistic budget and be upfront about your financial expectations. Having clear goals and a set schedule can ensure everyone involved is working towards that goal on the schedule everyone has agreed upon.

Step 6: Don’t Be Afraid To Try A Few Different Tutors

Remember, finding the perfect reading & writing tutor is a journey.  You may have to go through a few different options before you find that tutor that clicks with your child.  A combination of fun and educational tactics is likely going to be the key to unlocking your child’s love of reading and writing. Even within a single tutoring company, each reading tutor’s style and approach could be vastly different.  Where one may just not understand your child, another could unlock that door to reading comprehension.  Keep at it - you’ll find the right person for your family.

Step 7: Invest Your Own Time

Hiring a tutor and ensuring your child has all the tools possible to enhance their reading skills and comprehension - spending just a few minutes a day - or a half hour a week - reinforcing all they’ve learned can not only give them some extra practice, it shows them you’re proud of the progress they’ve made - which can lead to even harder work with their tutor.  Your interest in their work can be a valuable driving force in their reading journey.

You’re now armed with the knowledge and tools you need to begin your search for a reading tutor in Plainsboro, New Jersey.  Reach out, research, budget, and invest your time in your child’s reading comprehension - reading is a life-long skill that will definitely serve your child well beyond their school years!