What do you feel would be the value/need for a customized homeschool program offered by a certified teacher?

Question

I am an experience, certified teacher currently working in a private school that specializes in customized education for special needs children. I am also working on my M.Ed and I'm thinking of developing a homeschool support service as a side business. Basically, I will do a full assessment on each child (math, reading, fluency, learning modality, side of brain strength, etc, and then design a program of study exclusively for that student. I will also meet with the child for an hour each week to discuss the past week's material, introduce new material, and work on trouble areas. Homeschool parents, I would like to hear from you: How do you feel this sort of program would be received in the homeschool community? What do you think would be an appropriate fee for such a service? Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

I am an experienced teacher currently working in a very small private school that specializes in meeting each student's needs, including those needs that would be deemed as special by most educators. Basically, I daily asses each child, and design or adjust a program of study exclusively for that student.  I meet with each child, several hours each day, and work on any trouble areas in academics as well as in all other aspects of life.  I don't know how much all of this is worth in terms of money, because my pay is seeing each child blossom and grow to be a competent, intelligent, responsible person.

I am a homeschooling mom.  My very small private school is my house.  My students are my 3 children.

You probably could find a market for your services, but you might have better luck offering subject specific help.  Many homeschoolers are independent and like it that way.  However, there is often one subject that gives them trouble, such as High School Math.  If you let the parents choose to employ you for specific subjects rather than the whole package, you might find more people who are interested.

Answer 2

I really don't think you're going to find much of a market for it, unless it's parents new to HS'ing.  You will do better with your plan in states that require yearly assessment and portfolio review.  I've HS'ed in two states now and neither one had those requirements.  I would have no use for your services.

We did have our son tested by the school district at age 7.  This was for IQ & Achievement.  It was completely free for us.  Most school districts have to do this if asked.

Now, if we're talking services for SpEd students, then yes, you might find more of a market.  Again, though, I wouldn't need your services for my SpEd child.  I have her in public school on an IEP already.  HS'ers in most states can still get IEP services from their districts.

I think your evaluation services would be in the highest demand of all.  But it would still be a limited market.  I would say it'd be the best for parents of ADD, ADHD, dyslexic, APD, etc., children.  They frequently decide to HS when the schools want to medicate (or medicate more), cannot meet the demands of an IEP, or know that teaching them at home, where they can learn based on their learning style and in a 1:1 environment.  So if those types of families were trying to decide to HS and knew you were available, it could ease their trepidation at starting out.  They'd know they had a support person.

For a testing and evaluation fee, I would charge a bit less than they can get elsewhere (university, private clinic/psych, etc.).  These fees typically run from $300-$4000.

For the weekly services, I would say charge a bit more than the going rate for tutors in your area, since you would be doing more than just tutoring.  Tutoring fees typically range from $20-50/hour.

I would contact local and state HS'ing associations/groups to find out if there is even a market before you decide to jump in.  Since this won't be your primary source of income, but "on the side", even a small market might be feasible for you.  As others have said, perhaps just "being there" if a need arises would be worth much more to HS families.

HTH!

Answer 3

Where I live, very few would be interested in such a thing. It's hiring out a teacher--private tutoring--rather than basic homeschooling. We like our independence and doing our own thing and being each other's support.

Answer 4

In my state it is not required to meet with any type of private tutor. In some states that may be a requirement. I personally do not feel the need to have a teacher tell me how to educate my child.

That being said - I do use a teacher annually to sign off on my child's portfolio (legal requirement). Some parents have their children tested annually.

I think a better service would be not weekly - but when a problem arises. For example - I have a friend who is a teacher and sometimes I approach her with something like "You know my kid really isn't GETTING this" and she will usually have a few hints on how to do it.

Just my two cents!

Answer 5

It sounds like a great idea, and if this is your dream, then build the flyer and they will come!

:)

It sounds to me, that you would like to provide some form of structure for home schooled children and parents.

I think parents choose homeschool for many reasons.

I think the lack of structure from outsiders is one of them.

*I think that what you have to offer is far superior to what a parent can observe, loving their child, and not seeing the weak spots.  

Pick 2 areas you love, like Music and Math or 2nd language, and specialize in those. Offer segments, and 1/2 packages, and the total package.  When given choices, parents what the last say, and want the best for their child.

I would ask other's who do tutoring what they charge per hour, and home visits are a huge plus, and having an outside influence will stimulate some children greatly, and let them konw that they are on track!

Good for you, not everyone will want your program, Many will!

Go for it!

It's your calling!

Do what you love, love what you do,

if you build it, present it at the homeschooling town meeting, with a free evaluation --you have only experience and knowledge to gain.

i wish you the best.

Answer 6

Honestly?  I don't think you would  have much luck with it in my area.  We have a pretty tight knit HS community and we don't usually hire tutors, we use other homeschool parents. My dad has an English degree so he helps other homeschool parents and students with English, my friend's mom has a degree in biology so she offered to teach kids at her house, and one mom is heavily involved in the theater community and has great contacts for when we put on plays, acting lessons, ect.  

I am not saying there is not a market for you out there, I am just saying it probably wouldn't work to well where I live.  I do agree with others that you should definitely offer half packages and tutoring in specific areas.  Homeschoolers homeschool because they don't want someone else telling them what to do so you coming in and doing just that probably would not go over very well.  

Good luck with it though!

Answer 7

I think it is a very interesting idea...

Here are some things I think you may encounter:

As others noted, homeschoolers tend to be a very independent bunch - be careful to position your service in a way that does not infringe - may be tricky.

Homeschoolers tend to have very busy lives.  Do all you can to make your service very convenient.

Someone above said "make a flyer and they will come." Probably not true.  Your best advertising is going to be word of mouth.  Once you build a good reputation, then they will come because the mom's will talk about you.  If you gain a bad reputation you are done.

Some homeschoolers are going to be dubious about "an outsider."  So, don't be surprised by this.

Homeschool family's needs are going to vary wildly.  You might want to package your service along a continuum (full package - minimal package and in between).  You might even want to make your services ala carte.

You may find that repeat business, the life blood of most enterprise, is difficult.   You may find your customers are mostly going to be "newbies" and as they gain experience and confidence will no longer need / desire your help.  But, this may be the right business model for you!  Your goal with a new homeschooling family would be to make your self obsolete.

As far as pricing goes... that is a tough one... I think you should develop your idea a bit and then find an opportunity to present / speak to some local homeschoolers and get direct local feedback.  For many homeschoolers, they will be picking and choosing among a whole bunch of educational tools and services within a set budget - if they use your service it will probably bump something else for them.  You should keep that in mind.

Hope that helps a bit.