Yes. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand IEPs and 504 plans and can provide instruction that complements and reinforces the goals outlined in your child's plan. While tutors don't create or modify official plans, they can implement recommended accommodations and strategies, track progress on specific objectives, and communicate with you about what's working. This personalized approach helps students make measurable progress toward their documented goals.

With an average student-teacher ratio of 19.3:1 across Salt Lake City's 16 school districts, many students with learning differences struggle to receive the individualized attention they need in classroom settings. Common challenges include gaps in foundational skills like phonics or math facts, difficulty with executive functioning and organization, challenges with reading comprehension or written expression, and struggles with social-emotional skills. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction addresses these gaps by allowing tutors to slow down, repeat concepts, and use multi-sensory teaching methods tailored to how each student learns best.

During the first session, the tutor will get to know your child, learn about their strengths and challenges, review any relevant documentation (like their IEP or assessment results), and discuss your goals for tutoring. This is an opportunity for your child to feel comfortable with the tutor and for the tutor to understand their learning style, interests, and what motivates them. The tutor will then develop a personalized plan and begin building a foundation for consistent progress.

Progress varies based on your child's specific needs and goals, but students typically see improvements in academic skills (reading fluency, math computation, writing), executive functioning (organization, time management, task completion), and confidence. Many students experience measurable gains in standardized assessments, improved grades, and better independence in the classroom. Consistent, personalized instruction allows tutors to identify what strategies work best for your child and reinforce learning through spaced repetition and practice.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in special education, learning disabilities, and evidence-based teaching strategies. Many have backgrounds in special education, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or related fields. Tutors understand various learning differences including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other conditions, and they use research-backed approaches like structured literacy, multisensory instruction, and explicit skill teaching.

The ideal frequency depends on your child's needs, goals, and current level of support. Some students benefit from weekly sessions to build foundational skills, while others may need 2-3 sessions per week for more intensive support. Your tutor will work with you to create a schedule that provides enough consistency for progress without overwhelming your child. Many families find that regular, frequent sessions in the beginning help establish momentum, which can sometimes be reduced as skills develop.

Special education tutors support a wide range of academic and developmental areas, including reading and phonics, math fundamentals and problem-solving, writing and spelling, executive functioning skills, study strategies, social-emotional learning, and transition planning. Tutors can also help with test preparation, homework support, and building independence in learning. The focus is always personalized to your child's IEP goals and your family's priorities.