“If your child is beginning to fall behind in a certain academic area, it is important to take action as quickly as possible to help her or him get back up to speed,” writes high school teacher Ruth Dalisay in the Honolulu Advertiser. “A tutor may be able to help your child by accelerating the learning process in an intimate, one-on-one setting. A tutor also can help compensate for anything that your child has missed in the classroom by offering individualized attention and teaching.”

There are signs that can serve as an early indication that your child might benefit from tutoring. For example, your child may make excuses as to why they have not done their homework as a way to avoid a subject he or she is struggling with.

Ms Dalisay offers some tips for finding the right tutor:

• Ask friends and your child’s teacher for recommendations
• Research alternative organizations. Several organizations offer informal tutoring services, often for less money.
• Check credentials carefully.