A reading tutor should evaluate your child's abilities and weaknesses and design a program that will strengthen those weak areas. The best tutors do more than correct problems; they strive to nurture skills that will apply throughout life and encourage a love of reading.
Tutoring services may charge hourly or by contract. Contract arrangements are usually billed monthly, however, and a schedule is set up for tutoring time as well as independent work.
Most services require their tutors to have a minimum of a college degree, preferably in education or literacy. Others, however, simply require certification through a training program.
Reading tutors charge anywhere from $20 to $75 per hour. Independent tutors will charge less than services because they have lower overhead costs.
Besides tutoring services or independent tutors, many public libraries offer reading-assistance programs. In addition, software programs are available for about $30 that teach and evaluate a child's reading skills.