Free Online Tutoring Sites and Resources

Finding a Free Online Tutor for Your Child

When your child is struggling with his or her studies, it can be difficult to determine what to do. This difficulty can be magnified by a limited budget or time constraints. Free online tutoring may offer a solution. There are a few possibilities that you can explore.

How Can I Identify What My Child Needs?

Before seeking out a tutor, it's usually best to determine exactly what type of assistance your child needs. Every child has a different set of skills and problems and there is no blanket solution. Meet with your child's teachers and school counselor to find out his strengths and weaknesses. You may also consider meeting with experts outside of your child's school for further assessment, although this can sometimes be expensive. Once you've determined what your child's issues are, you'll then be able to make informed decisions about the help he needs.

Does My Child Qualify for Supplemental Educational Services?

Supplemental Educational Services (SES) are provided in a number of states due to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. If this program is available in your state and your child qualifies, SES programs are available at no cost. Qualification is based on financial need and whether or not your child's school meets the criteria for SES.

Check with your child's school or your state's department of education to find out what options are available. Many online tutoring companies have deals with SES to provide tutoring services for children who need them.

What Are Some Other Online Options?

Many local libraries offer free tutoring. In many cases, libraries have agreements with online tutoring services that provide free access to a tutor during certain times of the day. Your child typically needs a library card and Internet access to receive this service, and it can be used from anywhere.

You can also find free, volunteer-based online tutoring and homework help. For example, there are sites that provide math lessons and answers to frequently asked questions. If your child doesn't see the answer to her question on such a website, she can submit her question to be answered by one of the site's volunteer tutors. Be aware that your child will often have to wait a day or two for helpful answers and the tutors may not have the qualifications and training that tutors for paid services have.