Dyslexia tutoring: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What dyslexia tutoring is

Dyslexia tutoring uses structured, multisensory methods to teach reading, spelling and writing skills to students with dyslexia, at their pace. Parents book it when a child has been identified with dyslexia by a qualified professional, or when a child reads and spells far below their classmates and needs a structured approach.

Signs you need it

  • Your child struggles to sound out new words and mixes up letters that look alike
  • Spelling is hard to learn, and the same words are misspelled over and over
  • Your child reads slowly and is tired after a short reading task
  • Your child has strong ideas but finds it hard to write them down
  • Your child's school has discussed reading support, and progress has been slow

What the pro does

  • Starts with a check of the student's sounds, letter patterns and reading level
  • Teaches sounds and letter patterns in a fixed order, with the student seeing, saying and writing each one
  • Practices reading and spelling with short words, then longer words and passages
  • Works on writing from dictation and copying, with clear feedback on each word
  • Tracks progress with short checks and adjusts the next step to the student's pace

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of each session and how many sessions are in a series
  • The student's age and reading level
  • Whether the tutor uses a specific structured program, which can change the cost of materials
  • Whether sessions are in person or online
  • One-on-one tutoring, which is common for this work, versus a small group
  • Whether the tutor provides materials or the family must buy them

What a written quote should spell out

  • Number of sessions, session length and start date
  • Whether sessions are in person or online
  • Whether the materials, the progress checks and the notes are included
  • Cancellation and make-up policy
  • Whether the tutor will share progress with the parent or the school team

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What structured method do you use, and how is it set up to teach in a fixed order?
  • How do you check my child's sounds and reading level before the first session?
  • Do you have training in teaching students with dyslexia, and what does it cover?
  • How do you track progress, and how often will we review it together?
  • Will you share progress with my child's school, and how?
  • Have you passed a background check, and do all of your tutors pass one?
  • How long should we expect the program to run before we see clear progress?

Red flags

  • Says they can cure dyslexia or that a set number of sessions will fix it
  • Will not explain the method or the training behind it
  • Uses guessing and picture cues as the main way to read, with no sounds
  • Asks for a long package of sessions before a first check of your child's reading

What you can do yourself

Read aloud with your child every day and let them sound out words slowly. Use short, clear reading material at their level and praise effort, not speed. Hire a tutor when your child needs a structured, multisensory program, when reading and spelling are not improving with practice at home, or when a qualified professional has recommended specialist support.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to tutor reading privately. A tutor cannot diagnose dyslexia, and a school or a qualified professional provides the evaluation. Ask whether the tutor has training in a structured literacy method, and check with your state or local licensing agency or your child's school for the rules that apply to the services.

Dyslexia tutoring questions

Can a tutor diagnose dyslexia?

No. A tutor cannot diagnose dyslexia. If you suspect it, ask your child's school or a qualified professional for an evaluation. A tutor can work on the reading skills once the needs are known.

How long does dyslexia tutoring take?

It depends on the student, the method and how often they practice. Structured programs often run for many months. Ask the tutor for a plan with checkpoints, so you can see progress.

Does my child's tutor need a background check?

Many parents and programs expect one. Ask for proof of a background check before the first session, and ask about the rules for pickup, drop-off and supervision.

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