PRIVATE TUTOR

It can help to obtain referrals from your child's teacher or school, other parents or the education department of local colleges. Expect to pay at least $40 an hour for a private tutor. Online tutors cost about $20 an hour. Programs at the national centers cost $200 to $500 per month, depending on how often your child attends. For example, Sylvan Learning Center outlets charge $200 for the initial assessment and $43 an hour for individual tutoring sessions.

Here's what's available:

• Homework helpers: These tutors can be high school or college students who charge an hourly rate or volunteer in after-school programs. They're best for kids who need help with homework or study skills.

• Private tutors: These work individually with students. Often they are teachers who tutor part time.

• Learning centers: These are often franchises of national companies that give assessment tests and use their own curricula. Many have online components, which may cost less than in-person tutoring.

• Learning specialists or educational therapists: These test to identify learning problems and create individual programs to improve skills.

• Peer tutors: These are fellow students, sometimes trained, who work with students one-on-one or in groups. Many are certified tutors, with credentials authorized by the National Tutoring Association.