Special Education Tutor
5th Grade Math & Reading

Kids on the Yard is hiring a certified Special Education tutor to support a 5th grade student in Math and Reading this summer in Newark, Delaware (New Castle County).

This is an immediate opening. The student benefits from a patient, structured, multisensory approach and an educator experienced with IEPs and individualized goals. Sessions run 2–3 hours per week on a flexible schedule that works for both the family and the tutor.

You will:

• Deliver 1:1 tutoring in 5th grade Math and Reading aligned to the student's IEP goals.
• Use multisensory, individualized strategies to build confidence and skills.
• Communicate progress with the family and the Kids on the Yard team.

We welcome applications from current Kids on the Yard tutors as well as external special education professionals. This is a summer contract role that may extend into the full school year. Candidates are reviewed and placed on a first-qualified basis, so early applications are encouraged.

Academic Support

• Provide personalized 1:1 instruction in Math and Reading aligned to the student's needs and IEP goals.
• Assist with homework, assignments, and projects; review material before tests to strengthen performance.

Skill Development

• Build study habits, time management, and organizational skills.
• Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving through targeted exercises and discussion.

Progress Monitoring & Reporting

• Assess progress regularly and adapt methods to the student's evolving needs.
• Submit daily progress reports covering successes, growth areas, questions/concerns, and schedule or school updates.
• Communicate with parents/guardians and the assigned Special Education Coordinator.

Emotional & Motivational Support

• Foster a positive, encouraging environment that builds confidence and motivation.
• Address emotional or behavioral factors affecting learning; teach the "whole child."

Collaboration

• Coordinate with the student's school, specialists, and the Kids on the Yard resource team to align strategies.
• Engage in coordination meetings at a cadence matched to the student's needs and progress.

Professional Conduct & Compliance

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early; be punctual and reliable, notifying KOTY promptly of any schedule changes.
• Adapt to the home environment, using the family's designated tutoring area with minimal disruption.
• Follow all health, safety, and allergy protocols and comply with local laws on in-home/private instruction.
• No cellphone or unrelated device use during sessions, recess, activities, or student lunch.

Confidentiality & Privacy

• Keep all student information, status, progress, and disability details strictly confidential.
• No recording or photography of students, staff, or premises without prior written consent from Kids on the Yard; direct any parent photo/video requests to the KOTY office.

Zero Tolerance

• Uphold a zero-tolerance policy against any form of abuse toward students, families, staff, or others.

Required

• Active Special Education certification (state or national).
• Minimum 3 years of classroom or tutoring experience with elementary-aged students.
• Experience implementing IEPs and individualized goals in Math and Reading.
• Able to pass a background check and authorized to work in the United States.
• Reliable and punctual, able to tutor in person in Newark, DE (New Castle County).

Preferred

• Multisensory and structured-literacy methods (e.g., for dyslexia).
• Experience supporting students with ADHD and executive-functioning needs.
• Strong, proactive communication with families and school teams.

This position is offered as a part-time or independent contractor role and may be structured as a seasonal engagement. Depending on organizational needs, candidate performance, and demonstrated skill set, there may be opportunities for extension into a full-year engagement and/or consideration for additional assignments, including in-person and/or online instructional roles.

All engagements are contingent upon ongoing performance, program requirements, and mutual agreement.

Selected candidates may have access to a designated mentor and/or team lead who can provide instructional guidance, lesson planning support, and alignment assistance as needed. This support is intended as a collaborative resource to assist with curriculum delivery and is not intended to establish supervisory control or an employment relationship. Availability of support may vary based on program structure, assignment type, and organizational needs.

Kids on the Yard is a nationwide tutoring and educational support service connecting families with certified, caring educators. We support K-12 students in academics, special education, and enrichment, both in person and online.