Halftime Hope Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 I live about 4 blocks from an elementary school. They have an afterschool program which charges $50/week for 3 hours care daily, with the staff (a social service agency) saying that they help kids one on one, but I have my doubts. I can't compete with that for childcare alone. Would you pay for someone to tutor your child after school if you were a working parent and had a child with a need? If so, how much would you pay for an "all around" tutor? (I've "done" elementary grades three times now as a homeschooler, taught two dyslexic kids to read, etc., etc.) I could specifically tutor reading/grammar/English and "specialize", and maybe find a niche market there. Would I do better brushing up my high school science and Spanish skills and tutoring that?? (Better $$, parents more serious because they are feeling the pressure of their kids' grades? ) WWYD if you were me? Thanks for your input!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 My husband and I have both tutored extensively, and also ran a tutoring center from our home when we had the space. We always charged the same flat hourly rate, regardless of subject or age of student. We always had people pay upfront for eight sessions (twice per week for one month) so that we could count on the money and were paid even if the client flaked out. Our best advertising has always been word of mouth. Let friends know that you are available for tutoring. Tell teachers you know also, and give your phone number. And we usually have to turn away students once things get rolling because our schedule is full. So. I would find out what private tutors are charging in your area and maybe charge a bit less...that is what we have always done. Set up a quiet space in your home and let people know that you are available for tutoring. Do a free 'assessment' to determine where the child's skills are, and let the parent know what your plans would be in getting started. Map out eight dates for the month, run that by the parent, and have them pay up front to get started. Tutoring a child for just homework help is totally legitimate, esp. for working parents. Helping the child to stay on track with assignments, long term projects, staying organized, etc...if you need any suggestions as to specific things to use for specific issues, ask here. We always have plenty of advice. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 WWYD if you were me? I would specialize and find a niche. I think you can make more money that way. I specialized in teaching reading and spelling a few years ago. Am thinking of taking it up again. I found that I had a lot of grade 3-5 kids who were having trouble and, understandably, their parents were worrying because school was getting harder. I loved being able to calm their fears (if I knew I could help the child) and teach their child to read, so they could do better in school. People will pay to get help with problems (like an older child not knowing how to read), esp. if they don't want to bother to learn how to do it themselves, or if they don't have time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Although I've signed with a tutoring company, they don't service my area as frequently as some of the more local companies--come to find out...:tongue_smilie: But I was just offered $50 for two 45 min sessions a week, teaching a K'er to read using phonics. I won't take it, as it's too far to make it doable, but my point is that people are willing to pay. And in this area, it's actually kinda low pay. I'd go with the Spanish tutoring, if you are fluent, but keep yourself open to other kids, too. Advertise for free on Craigslist, post your name at the local homeschool co-ops, make up some flyers to send to the local high school guidance offices (or, if you know the teachers, tell them you've started a business). I know I wouldn't have been able to afford a tutor for my kid--but I would have jumped at the chance to have him do a semi-private session or two, or three! Maybe you could advertise a very small semi-private group tutoring--two or maximum 3, esp for Spanish. Instead of, say, $25 an hour, charge $15--with 3, you'd make $45, and parents would appreciate the price break. I'd even offer $10 lessons to those who bring two more people in to you (charge the others the regular rate). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 I would have jumped at the chance to have him do a semi-private session or two, or three! Maybe you could advertise a very small semi-private group tutoring--two or maximum 3 I've thought about doing semi-private tutoring, so I can make more per hour and so parents won't have to pay as much. But how do you make semi-private tutoring work with 2 or 3 kids? Is it possible to teach reading/spelling or even grammar/writing to more than one kid at a time? How do you deal with age differences? I have 2 kids of my own, and I teach them skills separately. I'm sure it *is* possible, I just don't know how. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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