How to Find the Right Tutor for Your Dyslexic Child

If your child is struggling to read, falling behind in school, or losing confidence, you’re not alone. It’s an unfortunate truth that schools are missing the mark when it comes to supporting struggling students due to a lack of resources and training. Finding the right tutor can be life-changing for a child with dyslexia. But not all tutoring is created equal.

Here’s how to make sure you choose the right support for your child.

1. Look for a Tutor Who Uses Structured, Evidence-Based Methods

This is the most important factor by far.

Children with dyslexia don’t learn to read through exposure or repetition alone. They need explicit, systematic instruction in how sounds and letters work together. Think of it as needing a prescription to learn to read.

Look for tutors trained in approaches rooted in the science of reading, such as Orton-Gillingham–based methods or other structured literacy programs.

Red flag: If a tutor says they “meet the child where they are” but can’t clearly explain their instructional method, that’s a concern.

What to ask:

• What program or approach do you use?

• How do you teach phonics and decoding?

• How do you know if it’s working?

2. Make Sure They Specialize in Dyslexia (Not Just General Tutoring)

A general tutor may help with homework—but dyslexia requires specialized intervention.

You want someone who understands:

• How dyslexia impacts reading, spelling, and writing

• Why traditional strategies often don’t work

• How to break skills down into manageable steps

This isn’t about more practice, it’s about the right practice.

3. Ask How They Track Progress

Good tutoring should lead to measurable growth.

Your child’s tutor should:

• Collect data regularly (accuracy, fluency, decoding skills)

• Share progress updates with you regularly

• Adjust instruction based on results

If you’re not seeing improvement or receiving consistent updates, it’s hard to know if your child is actually improving

4. Pay Attention to Group Size

Many parents assume 1:1 is always best—but that’s not necessarily true.

Small group instruction (2–5 students) can be incredibly effective when:

• Students are grouped by skill level

• Instruction is still individualized within the group

• The tutor is highly trained

Bonus: Kids often feel less isolated when they’re not the only one struggling AND they enjoy being in a group.

5. Look Beyond Academics: Confidence Matters

The right tutor doesn’t just teach reading, they help rebuild your child’s confidence.

Pay attention to how your child feels after sessions:

• Are they more willing to try?

• Do you notice they’re more confident when attempting to read?

• Are they less resistant to reading?

Progress isn’t just academic—it’s emotional, too.

6. Be Wary of “Quick Fixes”

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Be cautious of programs that promise:

• Fast results in a few weeks

• “Cures” for dyslexia

• Tools that replace instruction (apps, overlays, vitamins, “brain training”, etc.)

There is no cure for dyslexia, but with the right intervention, many children go on to lead academically successful lives. Do not fall prey to any of the above promises, as they are often a way to get money from desperate parents.

7. Ask About Frequency and Consistency

For most children with dyslexia, once-a-week tutoring is not enough.

You’ll typically see the best results with:

• 2–3 sessions per week

• Consistent scheduling

• Ongoing support over time

Think of it like learning a sport or instrument—progress comes from repetition and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tutor can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

Focus on what matters most:

• Structured, evidence-based instruction

• Dyslexia expertise

• Clear progress tracking

• A supportive, confidence-building environment

When you find the right fit, everything changes—not just your child’s reading skills, but how they see themselves as a learner.

Want Help Finding the Right Fit?

At Sunshine Literacy, we specialize in helping children with dyslexia become confident, capable readers using research-based instruction in a supportive, small-group setting.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’d love to help.