Did you know that the initial consultation for K-12 tutoring lessons with Teacher Cayley is FREE?
In our first meeting, we’ll review your child’s learning goals, strengths, preferences, and social-emotional needs. We can focus on an academic, play-based or behavioural approach – or all the above!
Here’s what to expect in the lead-up to and at the consultation, and how to book with Teacher Cayley today.
1. Reach out to Teacher Cayley
There are a number of accessible ways to initiate the consultation. At this stage of the process, we are just getting to know each other and feeling out the connection. You can choose your preferred method of contact so that you feel comfortable from the start in describing your child’s learning needs. You can feel free to send an email or text, drop a phone call, or complete the contact form. You will receive a response from Teacher Cayley within 2-3 days.
2. Set the date, time, and location for the first meeting
Booking the consultation is flexible. If you want in-person tutoring, it is best to also meet in-person. You and Teacher Cayley agree on a date, time, and place to meet up. Physical locations include a nearby cafe, the public library, a park if the weather is nice, or your family home (if both parties feel comfortable). For online lessons, consultations are scheduled through Zoom.
It is also important that the child who will be receiving the tutoring lessons is present in the consultation. Technically, they are also a client! This way, transparency and open dialogue are ensured right from the start of the student-teacher relationship. If everyone, including the child, agrees that it’s a good fit, the learning process within the context of lessons will be much smoother and more mutually respectful. The student has more agency and can learn to advocate for their own learning needs by participating in the design and goals of the lessons from the moment the groundwork is laid in the consultation phase.
3. Bring questions to the consultation
The consultation is a no-obligation, zero-pressure parcel of time where collaboration takes place between the tutor, the family, and the student. Please bring any questions you have about Teacher Cayley’s background, instructional philosophy, or curriculum for the grade you’re seeking lessons for. Children and potential students are encouraged to ask questions too! One of the best questions Teacher Cayley received during a consultation with a 10-year-old was, "What will you do if I don’t understand what you’re teaching me?" When children are involved in the setup for tutoring, they are more committed to the lessons because they know their feedback is valued.
Be prepared to answer some questions too. We’ll talk about learning goals, including the grade level, student strengths, and learning targets based on the provincial curriculum. Do you need to study for an upcoming exam? Teacher Cayley has previously prepared students for IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). Does your child need to build their confidence with math word problems, reading skills in French, or practice algebraic equations or gain familiarity with the laws of exponents? Do you want your child to have more opportunities to do science experiments or try new outdoor activities? Does your kindergarten need to learn more social language and expressive skills during play? The exact areas of study will be determined during the consultation and later contextualized in the draft contract – more on that below – based on the provincial curriculum so that higher academic grades are achieved.
Regularity of lessons and pricing are also discussed during the consultation. If you can’t find space in the budget for weekly classes, other types of service delivery are possible. For instance, tutoring is offered on a bi-weekly, monthly or "pop-up" basis to suit the needs (and wallets) of all learners. Payment options are also available for cash, e-transfer, or cheque, and payment schedules can be agreed upon to make tutoring more affordable and manageable, depending on family income.
4. Schedule the first lesson!
By the end of the consultation, it becomes clear whether moving ahead with lessons is what everyone wants. However, taking some time to decide on whether one-on-one tutoring lessons are right for your child is a good idea too. Once you are certain that you want to schedule the first lesson, make a quick confirmation with Teacher Cayley, and a calendar invite will be sent your way!
A draft version of the contract will be shared with you ahead of the first lesson. Please take a few moments to review the draft. The contract shouldn’t contain any surprises, as the goal is to put everything mutually agreed upon in the consultation on paper, but it’s helpful to have feedback before finalizing the contract for both parties to sign (tutor and parents/guardians).
This approach ensures the consultation process creates a solid foundation for effective learning during tutoring sessions. Through continuous and open discussions about the progress on agreed-upon learning goals, children and students become more empowered to take responsibility for their own learning. You can schedule a free consultation with Teacher Cayley by email, text, phone call, or contact form to choose your preferred date, time, and location. Together, we’ll reignite the joy and magic of learning!
