Specialized Tutoring & Academic Support
Provides individualized academic instruction using evidence-based approaches tailored to specific learning needs and disabilities.
What Is Academic Tutoring?
Specialized tutoring goes beyond regular tutoring by using evidence-based instructional approaches specifically designed for learning differences. This includes structured literacy programs (like Orton-Gillingham for dyslexia), multi-sensory math instruction, and explicit teaching strategies.
Unlike general tutoring that helps with homework, specialized tutoring targets the underlying skill deficits — phonological awareness for reading, number sense for math, executive function for organization. The tutor has specific training in learning disabilities and evidence-based interventions.
Specialized tutoring can complement school-based special education by providing more intensive, one-on-one instruction than is typically available in the classroom setting.
Who Benefits from Academic Tutoring?
learning disabilities
Structured literacy approaches (Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading) are the gold standard for dyslexia. Multi-sensory math instruction addresses dyscalculia.
adhd
Individualized instruction with frequent breaks, movement, and organizational support addresses academic impacts of attention and executive function challenges.
fasd
Repetitive, multi-sensory instruction with visual supports accommodates memory and processing differences common in FASD.
intellectual disability
Modified curriculum with functional academics focus, using concrete and experiential teaching methods matched to the individual's learning level.
What to Expect in a Session
First Session
An educational assessment identifies specific learning strengths and weaknesses. This may include standardized testing or review of existing psychoeducational assessments to develop an individualized tutoring plan.
Ongoing Sessions
Sessions use multi-sensory, structured approaches to teach specific skills. Lessons are sequenced, cumulative, and adapted based on ongoing progress monitoring.
Your Child's Role
Your child or the adult engages in structured learning activities at their level. Good specialized tutoring is engaging and builds confidence through achievable success.
Caregiver's Role
Parents may receive strategies for supporting learning at home and should communicate regularly with the tutor about progress and school demands.
When to Start
Early Childhood (0-5)
Early literacy and numeracy support can begin in kindergarten if delays are identified. Earlier intervention produces better outcomes for learning disabilities.
School Age (6-17)
The most common time for specialized tutoring. Intensive, evidence-based instruction can close skill gaps significantly, especially in the early elementary years.
Adults (18+)
Adult literacy programs and academic upgrading use similar specialized approaches for adults with learning disabilities seeking to improve skills.
General guidance: For reading difficulties, evidence strongly supports structured literacy approaches. If your child is not making progress with their current reading instruction, seek an Orton-Gillingham trained tutor.
| Item | Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | $0–$200 | Learning needs assessment (if offered) |
| Per Session | $40–$100 | 60 minutes |
| Insurance | Generally not covered by insurance unless part of a prescribed therapeutic program | |
| Tax Credit | Tutoring for a person with a learning disability may qualify for METC if prescribed by a medical practitioner | |
Money-Saving Tips
- Many school boards offer free homework help and tutoring programs for students with learning needs
- University education students sometimes offer tutoring at reduced rates for practicum hours
- Learning Disabilities Association of Canada chapters often offer free or subsidized tutoring programs
| Province | Status | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC | Partially Funded | Ministry of Education | School-based learning assistance provided through supplemental funding for students with special needs.(Ages 5-19) |
| AB | Partially Funded | Alberta Education | Academic support through school-based specialized learning support; private tutoring is not publicly funded.(Ages 5-19) |
| SK | No data | — | — |
| MB | No data | — | — |
| ON | Partially Funded | Ministry of Education | Learning support through school-based resource teachers and specialized programs; private tutoring not funded.(Ages 4-21) |
| QC | No data | — | — |
| NB | No data | — | — |
| NS | No data | — | — |
| PE | No data | — | — |
| NL | No data | — | — |
| NT | No data | — | — |
| NU | No data | — | — |
| YT | No data | — | — |
Evidence & Research
Specialized tutoring using evidence-based approaches has moderate-to-strong evidence. Structured literacy programs for dyslexia have the strongest evidence base. Research supports intensive, individualized instruction over general tutoring or classroom instruction alone for children with learning disabilities.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of any provider who:
- The tutor does not have training in evidence-based approaches for the specific learning difficulty (e.g., Orton-Gillingham for dyslexia)
- Uses only homework help without targeting underlying skill deficits
- Does not monitor progress or adjust instruction based on the student's response
- Guarantees specific grade improvements or reading level gains within a set timeframe
- Uses the same generic approach for all students regardless of their specific learning profile
How to Find a Provider
- 1
Contact the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada or your provincial chapter for tutor referrals
- 2
Search for Orton-Gillingham Academy certified tutors through the Academy's directory
- 3
Ask your child's school or psychologist for referrals to specialized tutors
- 4
Check university education departments — some offer supervised tutoring through training programs
- 5
Ask the International Dyslexia Association (Ontario and BC branches) for recommended providers
Conditions That Use Academic Tutoring
מכיר שירות שעלינו לרשום?
המדריך הזה גדל הודות לאנשים מהקהילה שעוזרים לנו למצוא את מה שפספסנו. ספרו לנו על ארגונים, תוכניות או שירותים ברחבי קנדה.