Yes. Tutors can review your child's IEP and align their instruction with the specific academic and functional goals outlined in the plan. Whether your child is working on reading fluency, math skills, social-emotional learning, or executive functioning, personalized tutoring can reinforce what's being taught in school while providing additional practice and support. It's helpful to share the IEP with the tutor so they understand your child's strengths, challenges, and recommended accommodations.

Students often struggle with foundational skills like reading decoding, math computation, or attention and organization—areas where focused, one-on-one practice makes a real difference. Tutoring can also address gaps caused by missed instruction, build automaticity in key skills, and teach learning strategies that help students become more independent. By working in a low-pressure, customized environment, students can practice without frustration and develop the confidence to apply skills in the classroom.

The first session is typically an assessment and relationship-building meeting. The tutor will learn about your child's strengths, learning style, current challenges, and any relevant background (including IEP information if you share it). They'll ask questions to understand your goals and may do some informal assessment to see where your child stands academically. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized plan for the sessions ahead.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have experience working with students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. Many have backgrounds in special education, teaching, speech-language pathology, or related fields. When you reach out, you can discuss your child's specific needs so we can match you with a tutor whose expertise aligns with your child's learning profile and goals.

Good tutoring includes regular progress monitoring. Tutors can track improvements in specific skills (like fluency, accuracy, or task completion), keep notes on what strategies are working, and share updates with you about what your child is learning. You might also see progress reflected in classroom work, homework completion, or behavior—especially if the tutor is reinforcing skills and strategies your child needs. It's a good idea to check in with your tutor regularly about what you're noticing at home.

Buffalo's 24 school districts offer special education services through IEPs and 504 plans, but personalized tutoring adds an extra layer of support. While school-based services address your child's core needs, tutoring can provide intensive practice on specific skills, help bridge gaps between grade levels, and offer a customized learning environment where your child can build skills and confidence. Tutoring and school services work best together as part of a comprehensive support plan.

Reach out to Varsity Tutors and share information about your child's age, grade, learning needs, and specific goals. Let us know if there are particular skills or subjects you'd like to focus on, and whether you have an IEP we should be aware of. We'll match you with a tutor who has experience supporting students with similar needs, and you can start with a first session to see if it's a good fit.