FAQ's

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While qualified to tutor any age learner, I specialize in working with students in 1st-5th grade or the equivalent.

I exclusively tutor students in reading/writing/spelling using the OG approach.  I do not use a particular 'program' but pull from many sources when preparing lessons for each student.

I see students 2, 3, or 4 times per week.

Sessions are 45 minutes each, so students must be ready to go with all materials prior to the session start time.  We don't want to waste any of our precious time together!

• I offer a free 20 minute initial consultation with the parent to discuss whether tutoring with Mrs. Vlach would be a good fit for the student.
• If the parents and Mrs. Vlach decide to move forward with tutoring there is an intake process involving screening the student, pre and post screening consultation with the parents, and a written report.  That process is completed for a fee of $135.  
• Sessions are $67 each, billed monthly in advance.

I see students online only.

Minimum requirements that students must have:

•  a desktop or laptop computer capable of supporting Zoom conferencing (web camera, microphone)
• reliable internet connection with a speed high enough to support watching videos/playing interactive educational games 
• an adult available to help with technical issues 
• a dedicated quiet space during tutoring time
• paper and pencil
• a one-inch 3 ring binder with 4 dividers  

Parents will not be asked to purchase any additional materials.

Items that would be helpful but are NOT required:

• parent access to a printer for documents sent by the tutor
• headset with a microphone for the student (wired or unwired)
• white board with markers
• a drawer/basket/container for all tutoring supplies to be kept together
• a document camera

Although phones and tablets (both ipads and androids) support Zoom conferencing, a student using these devices cannot take control of the mouse during sessions.  This means the student cannot actively manipulate items onscreen nor can they play games that have been shared by the tutor.  Lessons that are interactive (the student can manipulate items themselves) are much more effective for learning, practicing and retaining information.  Being able to work with items onscreen keeps the student engaged and it is much more fun for the student!

Each learner is unique and has differing challenges and strengths. I cannot therefore with integrity say 'Your child will be finished with tutoring in x time!'   During our sessions we will go as quickly as we can and as slowly as we must to ensure mastery and long-term retention of skills.  My goal is for my students to be able to thrive without me-I will not keep a student longer than necessary.  

Not at all!  Our sessions keep moving with many different activities to keep the learner engaged. One of the most frequent comments I get from students is, 'Wait, we are already finished for today?  We just started!'