Many parents resort to tutoring agencies to help them find a tutoring specialist. However, some parents decide on hiring a freelance tutor by themselves. Hiring a tutor is a difficult process and there are several steps that need to be taken to assure the competence of a tutor.

First post advertisements for the tutoring position. Advertisements may be placed in newspapers, or online. Placing an ad online may help parents avoid unnecessary charges. Also, newspaper advertisements are less often read than online advertisements. A good website to place online advertisements for tutors is Craigslist. You may place an advertisement in the "education jobs" section of Craigslist. Craigslist may charge you a listing fee in some locations. However, less popular free alternative websites such as Backpage, and Olx are also available. You may also look for tutors in online tutor databases such as Wyzant. Also, some schools have tutor directories that you can use.

Next, request a resume from the tutor. It is important to request educational background, experience, and references of the tutor. Other information such as home address and contact information of the tutor are also important. Some state laws do not allow asking certain information about tutors from references without the tutor's consent.

It is important to a run a background check on the tutor especially if they are working with a younger child. There are many agencies that conduct background checks. Make sure that the tutor is providing accurate information on the application. You should notify the tutor that you are running a background check on him or her.

It may be helpful to have lunch or coffee with the tutor and get to know him or her well before the tutoring sessions begin. Make sure the tutor has good communication skills as they are critical to the success of your child. Tell the tutor about any learning disabilities and behavioral issues the student may have and about the student's past progress. Also, discuss rates, payment method, and meeting location with the tutor. Offer to compensate the tutor for gas if he or she is traveling a long distance to work with the student.

Ask the tutor to evaluate the student during the first few sessions to see where the student stands. Provide as many materials as possible. Offer to order textbooks for the tutor to assist him or her.

After sessions begin, speak to both the tutor and your child about the sessions. Talk to teachers to see whether the student's performance is improving. If the student's performance is not improving, investigate the matter, address the issue to the tutor and potentially consider finding a new tutor.