Frequently Asked Questions

functioning-tutoring-faqs

Frequently Asked Questions About Executive Function Tutoring

Q: What is executive functioning?

A: Executive functioning refers to an interrelated set of cognitive processes that govern goal-directed behavior. We use executive functioning skills every day to manage daily activities, learn, and work. Planning, managing time, keeping track of materials and tasks, maintaining focus, effectively processing information, adapting knowledge for particular situations, screening for errors, regulating emotions, and managing frustration are all key abilities that rely on executive functioning. Executive function skills are crucial inside and outside of the classroom.

Q: How is executive functioning tutoring different from academic tutoring?

A: Content tutoring, or academic tutoring, focuses on the “what,” as in what a student is trying to learn. Our executive function tutors focus on the “how,” as in how the student learns and how to support that process. Often content tutoring isn’t successful because the content isn’t the problem. Instead, the student struggles with their approaches and the integration of information due to learning differences. Our tutors teach strategies and skill sets to help students strengthen their executive functioning skills to become more effective learners. We also offer literacy support and coach students in global skills like note-taking, active reading, studying, etc., which are helpful across all subjects. While we may teach skills using assignments and by focusing on certain subjects, unlike with content tutoring, finishing homework isn’t the end goal. Instead, we use it as a vehicle for the higher level, more nuanced coaching we deliver.

Q: How many tutoring sessions per week does my child need?

A: It will depend on your child’s unique needs. In general, two sessions a week is appropriate for most students. We aim to be flexible as long as it doesn’t interfere with the student’s support systems.

Q: How does billing work?

A: Billing at OT for ongoing services is post-paid monthly. Tutors submit their invoices at the beginning of the month. Tutors bill for package services as a single line item for the entire package cost associated with the start date of the package. Payment from the client is due upon receipt of the tutor’s invoice.

Tutors send their invoices using a secure billing platform powered by Stripe. Clients submit payment through the invoice that their tutor sends them; no account creation necessary. The payment options are credit card (U.S. and international cards accepted), debit card, and ACH bank transfer. Stripe  assesses a 3% processing fee for card payments. There are no processing fees for client opting to use the ACH bank transfer payment method. Tutors cannot accept payment through any other means (check, wires, Venmo, Zelle, cash, Cash App, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, etc.).

As a reminder, the tutors  in our network are not providing clinical or any other type of licensed service linked to health, behavioral health, or mental health, and therefore cannot provide any billing documentation with insurance coding.

Q: Are tutors holding in-person sessions during the coronavirus pandemic?

A: Each specialist working within our network is making their own decisions about whether to conduct in-person sessions. Minimizing risk for our tutors and families remains our top priority. We strongly encourage all tutors in our network to get vaccinated. We also recommend that families speak directly with their tutor about any questions or concerns related to in-person tutoring.

If you would like your OT tutor to support your student in person, please let us know during your intake call, and we will match you with a coach who is offering that option.

Q: Who could benefit from executive functioning tutoring?

A: Everyone! We work with students of all ages who have executive functioning challenges and complex learning profiles. Our experienced executive function tutors help students form positive habits and develop lifelong organizational skills that set them up for success in all areas of their life. However, any student can benefit, including those who have the foundational executive functioning skills. We strengthen existing skills, teach new ones, and help students internalize them. This gives them greater autonomy, independence, and confidence at school, at home, and in their social lives.

Q: What are the backgrounds of the tutors at Organizational Tutors?

A: We handpick the highest caliber tutors. Our expert supervisors conduct the intake process and match students with the ideal tutor based on the tutor’s experience, skill set, training, and personality.

Q: How much does tutoring cost?

A: As independent professionals, the tutors in our network set their own rates. Our tutors typically charge between $200 and $400 per 75-minute session of virtual support and $300 and $500 per 75-minute session of in-person work, depending on the student’s needs and developmental level. Sliding scale fees are available for families in need. If you have a particular financial circumstance you’d like us to be aware of, please discuss this with the supervisor who contacts you for an intake conversation.

Q: What if I have to cancel my child’s tutoring session?

A: We understand things can come up and we have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Sessions cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged the full session fee.

Q: What COVID-19 guidelines are tutors following for in-home safety?

A: Organizational Tutors strongly encourages all tutors in our network to get vaccinated. We suggest that tutors propose to their clients the following guidelines for holding in-person sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • We will only keep our in-person appointment if we, and the other people in our household, are free of symptoms linked to coronavirus disease.
  • If either one or both of us is/are not fully vaccinated, each unvaccinated person will utilize the CDC’s Self-Checker tool to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure risk 24-hours prior to our scheduled sessions. Each unvaccinated person will confirm that he/she/they completed this screening and will notify the other person of any results that recommend precautions other than maintaining social distancing.
  • We will wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when our in-person session begins.
  • If we are not fully vaccinated, we will wear a mask throughout our in-person session if held indoors. If the session is held outdoors, we will determine the necessity of wearing face covers on a case-by-case basis.
  • If we are not fully vaccinated, we will stay six feet apart. There will be no physical contact (e.g., no shaking hands and no high fives) between us throughout our in-person session from the time we greet each other through the time I leave.
  • Other individuals present in your home, and/or present at any time during the in-person session, will also follow these distancing and hand sanitizing protocols.
  • We will take steps between appointments to minimize our exposure to COVID-19.
  • If we, or other individuals in our households, have a job, or have other responsibilities that expose us/them to other people who are infected, we will discuss appropriateness and safety of in-person sessions and make determinations on a case-by-case basis.
  • If a resident of our home tests positive for the coronavirus disease, we will notify one another immediately and switch to remote sessions.

Interested in executive functioning tutoring for your child? Connect with a coach today.