Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

Since my son (1st grade) is continuing to have reading difficulties, I'm considering enrolling him in a tutoring program or hiring a private tutor.

I know nothing about either of these things, so can anyone shed some light on which might be better. Cost not being an issue.

Or does anyone have feedback on the above mentioned learning centers? I want to nip this in the bud before he falls further behind.

TIA!

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I do not have any experience with any of those centers. My concern however would be that if they are not using the same reading programs as your school district, your child will not have continuous curriculum. Sounds to me like a private tutor might be a better option only because he/she can ask your sons teacher which reading program they are using and can cater a plan just for him based on that.

Message edited 3/13/2015 11:31:36 AM.

Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I would use a private tutor. A lot of these places follow their own curriculum which may or may not be what your child is learning in school. A private tutor will work with your child and his needs specifically.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

Different situation but my son needed help with math.. we did a year and a half of different private tutors... once a week for an hour. None really seemed to help him ( 4 different highly recommended teachers who tutored on the side) I was so frustrated and turned to a dedicated math tutoring center. He went twice a week for an hour each time. We saw a huge improvement. I'm not sure if it was the fact that it was a group setting instead of one on one or the consistency of going twice a week for an hour instead of only once a week but in 6 months he made more progress then in the hear and a half of private tutors.
I would try both out and see what your child responds best to. I wish I hadn't waited so long to try a center.

Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I worked for a Sylvan center a while ago. It may have changed, but the way they ran it, your child was tested, which you pay for. Then, after the testing, they go over the results with you and show you the areas in which he is deficient. They put together a curriculum with different academic levels that focus on the areas in which he is weak and those are the areas they work on. They don't work on schoolwork, they work on their curriculum. I did work with a HS student for one hour on the Sylvan work and then her mom paid for a second hour where we went over stuff she was working on at school. Also, instruction was not 1:1, when I was there, you could have up to 3 children working at a table with one instructor.

I would look for a private tutor. I think a place like Sylvan is good for a kid who is a little older and just needs to work on a few areas where they are weak. Since it's not 1:1, it's cheaper than a private tutor. Since your son is young, and cost is not a factor, I think he might benefit more from a 1:1 tutor.

Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I would look for a private tutor. I worked at Huntington and would never recommend it to anyone.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I would also do a private tutor...you can ask your child's teacher (if you trust their opinion) and very often other teachers in the building tutor and they can recommend someone.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

Private tutor for sure.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I would ask the AP in your child's school or your childs teacher for tutor recommendations. Most of the teachers tutor on the side. I think it will be more beneficial because the tutor already know's what is required from the school.

Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I'm a teacher, and I would absolutely say a private tutor.

I have a few students who attend centers, and I wish I could tell the parents to just get a private tutor

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I'm a district manager for C2 Education which is similar. Feel free to FM me if you want information/have questions. There are definitely pros to using an education center over a private tutor.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I would ask the teacher what reading program they use. I am assuming it is fundations. I would get a private tutor but make sure they are able to teach the Fundations reading program. The teacher may know of some tutors. Besides fundation (if that it was your district uses) I would make sure the teacher is also having your child read text on his level.

Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

I would ask what reading program your school is using and go from there. Most of our resource rooms are using Making Connections and we also cross contract with the Divinci Center so I would absolutely send my daughter there for reading if she needed it. If you are going to go the private tutor route, just make sure they are well versed in whatever program you want as if they are not they can do more harm than good.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

Have you spoken to your teacher/district, my DC was struggling in math and they have an extra-help math teacher, she pulls my DC along with a small group from class and goes over that days lesson with them in her setting so they get more one on one. Its done wonders.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

It might not be what he is reading but what he is comprehending. DD was reading about 6 levels above her comprehension level. It is starting to level off now.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

Lindamood Bell or DaVinci for assessment !

The reading program they are using probably doesn't meet his needs.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

Hello!

We, at C2 Education, would be happy to provide a diagnostic exam for your son so we can assess where the problem areas are. It's free to LI Families members (normally $129). We have several locations on Long Island, so feel free to FM or email me at [email protected] to find the nearest one to you.

We work with several 1st graders on reading and phonics and have seen lots of success.

Message edited 3/31/2015 7:18:06 PM.

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor

Highly reccomended a private tutor. Ask the teachers at your child's school for referrals. The centers are going to utilize their own curriculum. Diagnostic testing is not what you want. You want someone to provide intensive support for the curriculum your child is actually immersed in.

Good Luck!

Re: Sylvan, Huntington, Kumon vs. private tutor