If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you may be looking for the best support for them. Finding the right support, however, can feel challenging. While your child’s school may offer some services during the school day, many students with IEPs need additional, individualized tutoring to help them thrive academically.
If you live in Florida, the good news is that there are many effective tutoring options available, some of which can be funded through programs like Step Up for Students, meaning you may not have to pay anything for your child’s tutoring! Step Up for Students tutoring can help your child thrive academically.
This article breaks down the best tutoring options for your child with an IEP, how to choose the right tutor for your child, and how to use Step Up funds to cover your child’s tutoring costs.
What makes tutoring for students with IEPs different?
Tutoring comes in a variety of forms. Some tutors are homework helpers that help students with their daily schoolwork. Others may be general reading tutors, where they read with your child or provide tutoring that varies from lesson to lesson, without a systematic plan. Yet students with IEPs typically need:
- Individualized tutoring that is tailored to their unique needs
- A multi-sensory, research-based approach
- Executive functioning support, including instruction on skills such as planning, organization, and time management
- Consistency and repetition of new concepts taught
While neurotypical students may benefit from general tutoring or homework help, students with IEPs typically need more individualized, skills-based instruction.
Specialized one-on-one tutoring in Florida
One-on-one tutoring provided by a tutor who specializes in working with neurodiverse students is typically the best option for students with IEPs.
These IEP tutors in Florida typically specialize in:
- Dyslexia tutoring and Orton Gillingham instruction
- ADHD and executive functioning coaching
- Autism support
- Specialized writing instruction
- Multi-sensory math tutoring
- Individualized instruction that varies based on the needs of each student
Why does this approach work? Students with IEPs need:
- Individualized plans for tutoring, based on an initial assessment
- Customized pace of instruction based on how the student responds
- Repetition of new concepts as needed
- Self-confidence building
This individualized approach is particularly helpful for students who are struggling in school despite receiving school-based support and services.
In-home tutoring
In-home tutoring can help students with IEPs immensely, as it offers support to students in their own environment.
Benefits of in-home tutoring include:
- Individualized support in a comfortable space
- Hands-on, multi-sensory tools that can easily be integrated
- Face-to-face interaction with tutor
- Organizational systems can be set up at the student’s home
For some students, tutoring at home allows for more consistent instruction and can increase their engagement in the lessons.
Virtual tutoring
Virtual tutoring is another great option for many students with IEPs. It has several advantages over in-person tutoring, as follows:
- Allows for more flexible scheduling
- Offers access to specialized tutors who may not be available in your local geographic area
- Great option for students who are comfortable using technology
- Virtual multi-sensory tools can be integrated into the sessions, including virtual magnetic tiles, math manipulatives, and colored highlighters
While certain students prefer in-person tutoring and others prefer virtual tutoring, some families choose a hybrid approach, which combines the benefits of both modalities.
Learning centers in Florida with special education focus
When looking for an instructor for your child with an IEP, try to find a tutoring center in Florida that specializes in working with students who have IEPs and learning challenges.
Look for learning centers in Florida that offer:
- An initial assessment prior to the start of tutoring
- Individualized tutoring plans
- Research-based, multi-sensory methods, including Orton Gillingham tutoring and executive functioning coaching if relevant
- Parent communication about student progress
- Try to avoid learning centers that focus on group instruction, since students with IEPs typically respond best to individualized one-on-one tutoring.
Executive functioning coaching in Florida
Many students with IEPs struggle not just with their core academic skills, but also with their executive functioning skills, including skills such as:
- Time management
- Planning
- Organization
- Task initiation
- Homework management
Executive functioning coaching can truly help students in Florida who have ADHD or struggle with their organizational skills and study skills.
Learn more about ADHD and executive functioning tutoring in Florida at https://knowledgeplustutoring.com/adhd-tutoring-near-me-how-to-find-the-right-tutor-for-your-child/
Why it’s important:
Weak executive functioning skills can negatively affect all aspects of school, even if a student is bright and has strong potential. Executive functioning coaching can help them immensely in building these skills.
Step Up for Students tutoring
If you live in Florida, your child may receive funding through the Step Up for Students Scholarship Program that can cover tutoring costs.
Step Up for Students can cover various educational services and products, including:
- One-on-one tutoring
- Executive functioning coaching
- Orton Gillingham instruction
- Various therapies for students with IEPs
- Curriculum and educational programs
- Other related educational products and services
When looking for a tutor for your child, make sure you choose a Step Up approved tutoring provider in Florida to help fund the costs of tutoring.
Learn more about using Step Up for Students tutoring at https://knowledgeplustutoring.com/how-to-use-step-up-scholarships-for-students-with-learning-challenges-in-florida/
How to choose the right tutoring program
When trying to find the right tutor for your child with an IEP in Florida, ask questions! Some questions you may ask include:
- Does the tutor have experience and expertise in working with students with your child’s specific learning needs?
- Is the instruction individualized to the needs of each student or does it follow one approach?
- Are research-based, multi-sensory techniques used?
- How is progress communicated to parents?
An ideal tutor for your child will help them build their academic skills, self-confidence, and motivation.
IEP tutoring services in Florida
Florida offers various IEP tutoring services that can help support your child with specific learning needs, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities. These specialized tutoring services focus on individualized instruction, research-based methods, multi-sensory techniques, Orton Gillingham tutoring, and alignment with each student’s IEP.
Knowledge Plus Tutoring specializes in helping students with IEPs with one-on-one instruction, executive functioning coaching, and multi-sensory tutoring to help students build their core academic skills and self-confidence.
Closing thoughts
Students with IEPs often need more individualized instruction than they receive at school. The right tutoring program can help them build their academic skills, fill in learning gaps, and help them feel confident and successful in school.
If you live in Florida, your child may qualify to receive free tutoring through Step Up for Students tutoring scholarships, making tutoring much more accessible.
If your child has an IEP and is struggling in school, Knowledge Plus Tutoring can help! We specialize in using research-based, multi-sensory techniques to help students develop their reading, writing, math, and executive functioning skills through one-on-one tutoring in Florida. Tutoring can take place in person at your home or virtually.
Our Boca Raton location is located at 433 Plaza Real, Suite 275, Boca Raton, Florida 33432. Our Orlando location is located at 480 North Orlando Avenue, Suite 236, Winter Park, FL 32789. We provide in-home tutoring throughout Florida, and we also provide online tutoring nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tutoring for Students with IEPs
What type of tutoring is best for students with IEPs?
Students with IEPs typically respond best to one-on-one tutoring using research-based, multi-sensory techniques that are catered to their individual needs. They should receive an initial assessment before starting the tutoring, and the lessons should be individualized to the skills they need the most help with.
Can tutoring be aligned with my child’s IEP goals?
Yes! Tutors who specialize in working with students with IEPs and learning challenges should review your child’s IEP and create a tutoring plan that addresses their specific needs. These needs may include instruction in reading, writing, math, or executive functioning skills, along with dyslexia tutoring, Orton Gillingham instruction, or ADHD coaching. Integrating information from your child’s IEP can help them achieve overall academic success.
Is virtual tutoring effective for students with learning disabilities?
Yes! Virtual tutoring can be effective for students with learning disabilities. Virtual tutoring generally offers more flexible scheduling and access to specialized tutors, such as Orton Gillingham instructors, executive functioning coaches, or learning disability specialists who may not be available in your local area.
Does Florida offer funding for tutoring students with IEPs?
Yes. Students who live in Florida may be eligible for funding through the Step Up for Students scholarship program, which can be used to pay for tutoring and other educational programs and services. Step Up for Students tutoring can make an immense difference in your child’s academic performance.
What is the difference between general tutoring and special education tutoring?
General tutoring may focus on homework help or basic skills instruction that may vary from session to session. Students with IEPs benefit from a structured, systematic tutoring plan that addresses their unique needs using research-based, multi-sensory techniques:
Can I choose any tutor with Step Up for Students funding?
If your child qualifies for Step Up for Students funds, look for a tutoring program that is an approved Step Up tutoring provider. With these Step Up tutoring funds, you may incur no out-of-pocket expenses for tutoring!
Dr. Emily Levy, the executive director of Knowledge Plus Tutoring, holds her Doctorate Degree in Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She has helped thousands of students with IEPs over the past twenty years and frequently appears as an educational expert on podcasts. She is the author of the Strategies for Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook series, all of which are used by students and schools nationwide.
