Sometimes tutoring is needed for children who are having difficulty maintaining satisfactory progress in school, or who miss school due to a temporary condition such as extended illness. School districts are not mandated to provide tutoring unless tutoring is part of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for children receiving special education services. 

If you believe the student needs tutoring, after consultation with the teacher, talk to the caseworker. If the caseworker and/or the supervisor disagrees, ask the caseworker to talk to the teacher. The caseworker must request tutoring from the school district. If the school district refuses, the caseworker may request that DCFS purchase tutoring services, upon written recommendation from the teacher. DCFS will pay for tutoring services only after all other resources (i.e. school districts, volunteer programs) have been exhausted. 

Caregivers have typically requested tutoring when the child has: 

• changed schools and needs remedial help; 
• received one or more failing grades; 
• been retained one or more academic years; 
• had an extended absence from school; or 
• been recommended for tutoring by the school.