Should I tutor a 4yo?

[FlatsInDagenham]

I have recently given up my full time teaching job to become a SAHM and do some freelance private tutoring work when I can fit it in.

Our finances depend on me getting the freelance work - without it we really cannot make ends meet. I have started a little bit of tutoring and I am actively seeking more - I'm desperate for more if the truth be told.

So I got a message today from a potential new client who wants me to tutor their 4yo DC. I advertise my services from age 8 upwards because I don't believe young children ought to be doing more hours - full time school is more than enough imo, especially for a 4yo.

If I didn't need the work I would definitely turn this down without a second thought. But honestly, I'm desperate.

WWYD?

Well, from your point of view, if you don't do it someone else probably will!
And personally, if it's going to happen anyway, I'd rather have someone like you doing it, than some hard taskmaster or mistress!

However, I can't imagine what would possess the parents of a 4yr old to want tutoring for their child. 4yr olds should be playing, imo. I would want to find out what they want from the tutoring. Could it be that their child is at a failing school, and they're worried about the basics being missed?

Do you have experience of teaching little ones? That is also an important aspect.

Many 4 yr olds benefit from help with finding a comfortable and secure handwriting grasp. Find out whether parents have any particular concerns, too. For example, if a parent has dyslexia and are worried that their DC isn't picking up their letter sounds, etc. that'd be useful information. Some parents would like guidance on how they can support and teach their DC at home.
I tutor children aged 7-13 but have worked successfully with children of 3 yrs old - for various (and specific) reasons. It can be very rewarding as the results of your input can often be seen within a few months.
However, I'd not advise that you tutor a 4 year old if you've no professional experience of working with children of this age.

Do they mean tutoring for entry to pre-prep? If so you really need specialist knowledge.

We don't employ a tutor for our 5yo but we do do additional learning with him to support his school work.
We changed schools due to a house move and were worried that the school we got into seems to let him coast. His new school has a lot of children that require additional help as our DS is at the top of the group in every area (thanks to his brilliant old school) they seem to be happy to let him look after himself. I am not happy but this is the only school place available in the area so we do additional learning after school - to be fair I don't force him he's happy to do it, especially if he can collect stickers for doing it.