FAQs
Because each student has a unique situation, we conduct free consultations to develop a customized set of services that best suits their needs and goals. Our service works best when we work as a team; we collaborate with teachers, mentors, and health professionals to optimize success. Consults can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or by remote video.
We believe that a consistent, repeatable work rhythm is crucial to success. We will work with you to develop a program and a schedule that fits your busy life.
To schedule, change or cancel a session, please send us email, give us a call or visit our center. Because we staff our sessions based on preset schedules, cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged as a full session, though we make accommodations for emergencies and illness.
Please note: Star Sessions are not a "drop-in" service. Advanced scheduling is required!
Upon registration, we require putting a credit card on file. Payment is due at the end of each satisfactory session and we usually bill once per week for any sessions in the prior 7 days.
For billing questions, please contact the center staff or email billing@startutoringcenters.com.
Scheduling: Every child is unique so we prefer to understand each student's needs and then recommend a schedule. This is accomplished through an initial consultation with the parents. Usually students attend Star Sessions for 60, 90 or 120 minutes at a time at least once per week. However, the frequency may adjust depending on need. We highly recommend a consistent weekly schedule for Star Sessions and families may request additional weekly sessions.
Ratio: All sessions are 1:1, unless otherwise agreed. If we are given access to the student's online school, our staff will preview their grades and workload to develop an idea of each student’s academic situation. This helps us best prepare for the session. When students arrive, they work with staff to develop a planning sheet and prioritize assignments. Next, students work on their assignments independently and with content support from the tutor.
How it Works: Tutors use a variety of proven processes, tools, and techniques to build organizational, planning, executive functioning AND academic skills. These critical skills will have a lasting impact on the student's ability to be successful at school and at real life in any setting.
The goal is to help students improve their grades by supporting them with their most pressing and relevant academic work while simultaneously encouraging independence.
Checking In: Tutors will provide a written summary of each session to the parents. We will always call if there is an urgent need. We encourage parents to communicate any needs or issues with us. Our program works best when it’s a group effort!
Scheduling: Private tutoring is available at our center, though we also try to accommodate appointments in-home, at a local library or at the child's school. (An additional trip fee may apply for appointments not at the center.) Sessions are typically one-to-two hours in length, depending on needs such as remediation, upcoming tests or deadlines. Developing a consistent schedule is important for academic success, though we can work with students on an ad hoc basis as needed.
Ratio: Private tutoring is one-on-one. We can customize small group programs for certain scenarios.
How it Works: the primary focus of private tutoring is subject-specific remediation or enrichment. We will use a combination of the student's textbooks/workbooks/materials, as well as materials we have on hand, and other Open Educational Resources (OER) online. Our goal is to reinforce content that is taught in the classroom. If remediation is necessary, the tutor may need extra time to build foundational skills that are identified as missing. (If this is necessary, it may take some extra sessions to get back on track with the child's class at school.) We may also spend time pre-teaching upcoming concepts to ensure success.
We also offer organizational, planning and executive functioning skills in a one-on-one setting.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to ADHD and developing Executive Functioning skills. Developing Executive Functioning Skills requires a combination of brain development, habit forming, and individual motivation (effort). We cannot provide an estimate for how long our program will take, similar to how a therapist often cannot tell you how many sessions they may need with a client.
In best cases, when a student is willing to receive support, try new tools at home, and buys into the process, we can expect to see improvements in their skills in about eight weeks. However, it may take longer for other students. There are some students who will require ongoing tutoring and Executive Functioning coaching in grade school and college; and they may even require assistance of an ADHD coach as an adult.
Our North Dallas Learning Center is open on an appointment-only basis.
The following are a list of protocols we have in place to keep our students, families and staff safe:
--Masks are optional. If you would like your tutor to wear a mask, we will accomodate that request;
--Hand sanitizer is offered upon entry;
--All workstations are at least 6 feet away from each other and are sanitized after every lesson.
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Looking for help with at-home learning and e-schooling? We offer tutoring sessions online, in-center and in-home! We can help parents with daily lessons and can provide instructors for 'learning pods' and community schooling groups.
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If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to discuss alternatives or accommodations, please contact our Center Director at (214) 444-3431.
We understand that many students will be coming directly from school and that's perfect - you'll most likely have what you need! We ask students to bring their binders, notebooks, and planners for their core courses. Your tutor may specify other materials to bring from time to time.
Laptops are a great resource! If your studies involve online homework, please bring your laptop or tablet. We try to keep common office supplies and a few spare laptops on hand - first come first serve. We also provide access to a printer as needed.
We ask that phones are kept in backpacks on silent mode while at the tutoring center. If electronics become a constant distraction, they will be held by the center staff for the remainder of the session or we will ask for them to be left at home. We understand that that coordinating pick-up time is important and the occasional text message for these purposes is okay. However, we ask parents to coordinate all early departures with their tutor.
Headphones (including earbuds) are not permitted (unless using for audio/video lessons).
We may use supplemental educational resources (such as Khan Academy and IXL Learning). By accepting these terms, you are providing consent to use these services and possibly register a student account for these services. Additionally, in order to provide our services, we may ask you to provide us with access to your student’s Learning Management System (LMS) and/or gradebook platform - if you provide such access, then you are granting consent for us to access those systems on your behalf.
We are confident that you'll love our programs, so your satisfaction is guaranteed. If at any time you have concerns regarding the services you are receiving, let our center staff know and we'll do whatever it takes to make it right. There are no contracts or commitments.
Please note that it can take time (sometimes months or even years!) to fully develop organization, planning and executive functioning skills. This involves brain maturation and development which varies across every individual. Consistency is key and sometimes patience is required to see results - your student will get there! Please communicate any need or concern that you have as it is often useful for the tutor in devising the most effective program.
We understand that students may be hungry after a long day of school and it is acceptable to bring snacks. Snacks may be eaten in the back area of the tutoring center and not at work desks. We ask for students to keep snack breaks short and try to limit to one per session.
We often provide snacks which are kept in the back of the tutoring center. Please note that we cannot manage individual allergies.
As educators, we take student privacy seriously. We adhere to FERPA regulations. We will not sell or share your personal data, contact info, test scores, or grades with any third parties without advanced written consent. Student data will only be transmitted to the student's parents and is only accessible to assigned tutors and center management for purposes related to the delivery of educational services.
We ask parents to consent to access to the student’s Learning Management System to the student’s tutor.
We are always hiring the best and brightest tutors in the area! Most openings are part time; though we occasionally hire full time staff. If you're interested in working for us, check our jobs listings. Then, tell us why you shine! Email your resume to jobs@startutoringcenters.com.