The teacher may be able to provide extra help for your child—and suggest things you can do at home, too.

If the teacher agrees that tutoring might be helpful, ask her advice about finding the best tutor. Other parents may also be helpful. Ask possible tutors these questions:

• What are her academic qualifications? In elementary school, tutors should be certified teachers. If your child is having reading trouble, choose a reading teacher.

• What is her teaching and tutoring experience? Has she taught this subject before? Has she taught children the same age as your child or teenager?

• Will she contact your child’s teacher? Tutors should be willing to talk directly with the teacher. The best tutoring supports instruction in the classroom.

• Where will the tutoring take place? It may be at the tutor’s home, at your home, or at a learning center.

• What will it cost? Private tutoring can be expensive. But some tutoring centers offer scholarships or charge fees on a sliding scale.

The place to start is with your child’s teacher. When parents and schools work together, the children always benefit.

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