Tutoring

Setting Up a Tutoring Business

Are you interested in tutoring children in handwriting? Here are some great reasons to become a tutor:

• Many children need extra help with handwriting. Most teachers and school systems don’t have the time or resources to provide one-on-one services for children who are falling behind in the area of handwriting. Handwriting instruction in the classroom, if it exists, is frequently not meeting the needs of children.
• Investigate the need for a handwriting tutor in your area. Concerned parents are trying to find qualified individuals who can tutor children in handwriting and make a significant difference in their academic performance. They are willing to pay for these services.
• If you have a part-time job, free time, or just need a second income, tutoring children in handwriting is a flexible way to meet your needs while working out of your home. You may also consider leasing space for a tutoring facility.

Are You Qualified to Tutor Children in Handwriting?

• Handwriting Without Tears® works! If you are a teacher, therapist, assistant, or have used the Handwriting Without Tears program and know it well, you can use your knowledge to help children with handwriting.
• Improve your understanding of the program by attending a Handwriting Without Tears workshop. The workshop will answer your questions concerning the program, give you teaching strategies, and help you develop skills needed for tutoring. Visit the web site to see a workshop schedule. Learn more about Level 1 Certification.
• You must know the material! Before tutoring, read each Handwriting Without Tears teacher's guide and workbook and become familiar with all aspects of the program.
• Observe other professionals who work with children using the Handwriting Without Tears program. Watching teachers and therapists in action will give you new ideas and techniques for working with children as you tutor.

Set-Up and Scheduling: How Does It Work?

You can tutor in an array of settings. Many people choose to tutor out of their homes. If this is the case, designate an area in your home and make it compatible for children:

• Use the appropriate size table/desk and chair for a child.
• Provide an area that is free of distractions, quiet, and child-friendly.

Establish rules for the child and the parent during the very first session:

• Decide if you want parents in the room during the session.
• Decide if parents may talk or ask questions during the session.
• Limit the areas of your house that the child may enter.
• Discuss the length of time of the session.

Provide the parent with the cost of the tutoring session, the expected materials, and the time that payment is due. You will need to determine the cost of an initial evaluation and the cost of each tutoring session. Look into the cost of tutoring that other individuals are charging for services in your area. Although prices may vary, you may want to consider the following:

• Initial evaluation: $50-$100
• 30-minute session: $30-$50
• Parents should pay for all materials (Wood Pieces, Slate Chalkboards, workbooks, paper, journals, and so on); these may or may not be included in the fee per session.

You may consider seeing children for one to two sessions (approximately 30 minutes long) a week, depending on your availability and the needs of the child. One time is sufficient if the parent is able to attend the session and supervise 5 minutes of daily practice. Twice weekly is necessary for group sessions.

As your skills improve and you expand your services, consider advertising in the newspaper, through the parent resource center in the school system, and in local parent magazines. The summer tends to bring more requests for tutoring services, as the parents realize that their children did not develop the necessary handwriting skills to move to the next grade.

As your reputation develops, consider offering in-services to parents and teachers in the area. The word will spread, and you will receive requests to share your knowledge!

If you are a school-based therapist, be careful not to create a conflict of interest with your employment in the school setting.

Keep a record of your sessions. You will need to maintain and manage billing procedures and expenses for tax purposes.