When your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program), finding a tutor who understands and implements those accommodations can make the difference between frustration and real progress. But many parents struggle to figure out what questions to ask—and what answers actually matter. This guide walks you through the specific questions that separate tutors who truly understand special education from those who just say they do.
Start with Accommodation Experience
Before hiring anyone, ask directly: "What IEP accommodations have you worked with before?" A tutor worth paying needs concrete examples, not vague reassurances. Push for specifics—have they worked with students who use extended time on assessments? Do they know how to present material to a student with visual processing issues? Ask them to describe how they'd adjust their teaching method for a student on your child's IEP.
Also ask whether they've worked with your child's specific disability category. A tutor experienced with dyslexia has different techniques than one working with dyscalculia or ADHD. The difference matters significantly.
Clarify How They'll Track Accommodations
Ask: "How will you document which accommodations you're using in each session, and how will you share that with me?" Some tutors keep simple notes; others integrate tracking into their lesson plans. You need visibility into whether the accommodation is actually being applied.
Request that they specifically call out in their notes which accommodations were used (extended time, reduced distractions, alternate formats, etc.) and how the student responded. This creates accountability and helps you see patterns—maybe extended breaks work better than extra time, or a particular accommodation isn't making a difference.
Ask About Collaboration with the School
Your tutor should communicate with your child's IEP team, especially the special education teacher or case manager. Ask: "Will you share progress updates with the school team, and how often?" Best practice is quarterly or when significant changes occur.
Also ask whether they'll request and review a copy of the actual IEP document. Don't just tell them what's in it—they should read it themselves. This prevents miscommunication and shows they take the legal requirements seriously.
Discuss Specific Accommodation Implementation
Ask these concrete questions about how they'll actually deliver accommodations:
- Extended time: How much extra time do they typically build in, and do they know your child's specific ratio (1.5x, 2x, etc.)?
- Reduced distractions: Where will sessions happen, and what's their noise level/interruption policy?
- Preferential seating: Do they have flexibility in how they position materials or allow your child to choose seating?
- Breaks: How many breaks will they build into a session, and how long?
- Assistive technology: Do they know how to use your child's speech-to-text software, text-reader, or alternative input devices? Will they use the same tools the school uses?
Clarify Their Training and Credentials
Ask about their formal background: "What training have you had in special education or learning disabilities?" Ideally, they have a special education certification, a reading specialist credential, or similar qualification. Some tutors have it; many don't.
Even without formal credentials, ask about ongoing professional development. Do they attend workshops on dyslexia interventions or ADHD strategies? This shows they're actively staying current.
Understand Pricing and Session Structure
Tutors experienced with IEPs often charge $50–$150+ per hour, depending on location and credentials. Specialized tutors (reading specialists, dyscalculia experts) often command the higher end. Ask whether they charge differently for sessions requiring more complex accommodation setup or detailed documentation.
Also clarify: "What's your cancellation policy, and how long are typical sessions?" For students who fatigue quickly, shorter, more frequent sessions often work better than longer ones—a good tutor will discuss this.
Get Everything in Writing
Before hiring, ask for a tutoring agreement that explicitly mentions which accommodations will be provided. Verbal agreements fade; written ones don't.
Using Mercoly, you can compare and find trusted Special Education & Learning Support providers who've already demonstrated experience with IEPs, making it easier to filter for tutors who ask the right questions themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my tutor charge more if they're accommodating my child's IEP? Some do, particularly if accommodations require specialized training (like implementing Orton-Gillingham for dyslexia). Compare rates on Mercoly to see what's typical in your area before accepting a premium.
Q: What if my tutor says they can't provide a specific accommodation from the IEP? That's a red flag—they should either find a way to implement it or refer you to someone who can. Some accommodations are non-negotiable.
Q: How often should I check in about whether accommodations are actually working? Monthly check-ins are reasonable; ask your tutor to flag anything they notice isn't helping.
Start your search today by comparing tutors who specialize in special education support on Mercoly.