Tutoring in kindergarten may appear excessive or unnecessary to some, but it is actually necessary. Kindergarten tutors’ main goal is to assist struggling students with reading readiness, a skill that is primarily taught in kindergarten and is required for success in all subsequent grades. Additional learning skills may be addressed kindergarten tutors as needed, but reading and math are the cornerstones of kindergarten education. Specific skills and education are required to become a kindergarten tutor, though there is no universal standard.
Schools are always short on resources, and as a result, staffing is always an issue. It’s possible that the budget won’t allow for the hiring of classroom aides to assist teachers with struggling students. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements for individualized education plans (IEPs) may be denied additional assistance in areas where it is needed. As a result, some parents may hire a private tutor for their children. In the private sector, the requirements to become a kindergarten tutor vary greatly depending on the organization or institution providing services, but most require some formal education in early childhood education or development.
Kindergarten tutoring may be replaced individualized or small group learning sessions in schools where funding is available for hiring ancillary staff such as classroom aides or paraprofessionals. This is a school position, and the qualifications are set the board of education in the state or region where the school is located. A two-year degree in early childhood education or development, or a passing score on a classroom paraprofessional exam, will almost certainly be required. To work as a kindergarten tutor in some areas, you may need a teaching certificate.
Whether tutoring in the public or private sector, previous teaching experience or working with young children in an educational setting, as well as some formal education or experience in the subject area being taught, are all required to become a kindergarten tutor. Kindergarten tutoring, unlike tutoring for older children, may include social and motor skills in addition to reading and math readiness.
Retired teachers, new graduates, and preschool and daycare workers with the necessary experience and education may find work as kindergarten tutors. While there is no set educational requirement for becoming a kindergarten tutor, job opportunities will be limited due to employer requirements. Additional requirements, such as CPR training and certification, may be required when working with children in person, and a criminal background check is almost always required to qualify for employment in an educational or childcare setting.