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Using 529 Plans for Tutoring in 2026: Supporting Students With Learning Differences

Recent federal changes have made 529 education savings plans more flexible, allowing families to use funds not only for future college costs, but also for K–12 tutoring and academic support. For families of students with learning differences, this can make high-quality, individualized instruction more accessible.

What’s Changed?

As of July 2025, with expanded flexibility continuing into 2026, 529 funds may be used for a broader range of K–12 education expenses, including:

Academic tutoring (in person or online)
Executive function coaching
Test prep (SAT, ACT, AP)
Curriculum materials and learning tools
Educational therapies for students with diagnosed learning needs

These expenses count toward the annual K–12 limit per student.

Why This Matters for Students With Learning Differences

Students with learning differences often benefit from explicit, structured, and individualized instruction. Tutoring may focus on:

Reading, writing, or math skill development
Executive functioning and study skills
Attention, processing, or working memory support
Curriculum reinforcement aligned with school expectations

When tutoring is clearly instructional and academically focused, it aligns well with the purpose of 529 plans.

Why Teacher-Led Tutoring Helps

All of our tutors are current or former teachers, which helps ensure tutoring is clearly educational in nature. Teacher-led instruction:

Aligns with school curriculum and standards
Reflects evidence-based teaching practices
Supports IEPs, 504 plans, and classroom accommodations

This can make it easier for families to document tutoring as a qualified education expense.

Annual Limits to Know

2025: Up to $10,000 per student for all K–12 expenses combined
2026 and beyond: Up to $20,000 per student

Tutoring, books, and other eligible costs all count toward the same annual cap.

Helpful Tips for Families

Confirm eligibility with your 529 plan provider
Keep detailed invoices and receipts
We provide monthly invoices outlining hours, subjects, and services
Check with a tax professional, as state rules may vary

Unlocking Potential: The Power of Individualized Tutoring for Students with Learning Disabilities

In today’s diverse educational landscape, no two students learn in exactly the same way. For students with learning disabilities, this truth is especially significant. These students face unique challenges that require equally unique approaches, and that’s where individualized tutoring becomes not just beneficial, but essential.

Understanding Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities encompass a wide range of neurological differences that affect how individuals process information. This can include dyslexia (difficulty with reading), dyscalculia (difficulty with math), dysgraphia (difficulty with writing), and ADHD (difficulty with attention and executive functioning), among others. These conditions often have little to do with intelligence; rather, they involve how the brain receives, processes, and communicates information.
Despite their potential, many students with learning disabilities struggle in traditional classroom settings that are often not equipped to meet their specific needs.

Why Individualized Tutoring Matters

Tailored Learning Approaches
Individualized tutoring provides the opportunity to create learning plans that are customized to a student’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. This personalization can significantly reduce frustration and increase engagement. For example, a student with dyslexia might benefit from multi-sensory reading instruction, while a student with ADHD may thrive with short, focused sessions that incorporate movement.
Building Confidence and Motivation
Students with learning disabilities often face repeated setbacks in school, which can chip away at their self-esteem. A one-on-one tutoring relationship fosters a safe, supportive environment where students can experience success at their own pace. Small victories build confidence, which is key to motivation and persistence.
Reinforcing Executive Function Skills
Many learning disabilities are accompanied by difficulties with executive function: planning, organizing, and completing tasks. Tutors can help students develop strategies for managing their time, breaking down assignments, and creating step-by-step plans, skills that are not only academic but lifelong.
Fostering Independence
Effective tutors do more than reteach lessons – they equip students with tools to become more independent learners. By identifying strategies that work for the individual, tutors help students advocate for themselves and take ownership of their learning journey.
Bridging Gaps in the Educational System
Unfortunately, many schools, due to limited resources or standardized approaches, cannot offer the deep, individualized support some students need. Expert tutors fill that gap, working in tandem with educators and families to create continuity and consistency in learning.

Final Thoughts…

Individualized tutoring isn’t just about improving grades – it’s about changing trajectories. For students with learning disabilities, it opens doors to understanding, mastery, and confidence. It reminds them that they can learn, grow, and succeed, not despite their differences, but because of the strength and resilience those differences have helped them build.
Empowering these learners starts with recognizing their unique needs, and giving them the personalized support they deserve.

The Center for Educational Services provides expert tutors who are specially trained in and experienced with working with students who have learning challenges. Our tutors find joy and fulfillment in collaborating with students to find what works for them.

If you are concerned about your student’s academic challenges, please feel free to contact our director, Dr. Amanda Strine at 610-642-4056 or centerforeducationalservices@gmail.com.

Social Skills Tutoring

Social skills are both the verbal and nonverbal skills we use to communicate and interact with other people. Children who struggle with peer and adult relationships may benefit from working with a tutor in this social arena. Sessions focus on verbal communication which include not only the words used but also the tone and volume. Instruction will also address nonverbal communication which will include body postures and gestures, and facial expressions. Role play regarding: friendships, joining and participating in a group, reading the room, school rules, perspective taking of self and others, and conflict resolution are a few of the social venues that will be presented as social skills are modeled, taught in chunks, and practiced. Mindful strategies are woven throughout to aid in emotional regulation.

The following concepts and programs are covered:

Executive Functions: goal setting, attention/focus, organization, task initiation, self advocacy, self-monitoring, strategies for managing emotions, problem solving and thinking flexibly
Michelle Garcia Winner Social Thinking strategies
Mindfulness from Mindful Schools Curriculum
Grit and Growth Mindset
Responsive Classroom, specifically Interactive Modeling

How: Through individual tutoring or small group instruction

Who can benefit: Early elementary through middle school students

Location: The Center for Educational Services’ Paoli office

Led by: Linda Jarrett, M.Ed., CES tutor and executive function coach

Email (centerforeducationalservices@gmail.com) or call (610-642-4056) our director,

Dr. Amanda Strine, to answer any questions or get started today!

Introducing our new tutors!

Please help us welcome three new tutors, who are bringing their wealth of knowledge and experience to our expert team. Jennifer Trachtenberg, Jaime Stone, and Beth Cope have worked for decades in schools and private tutoring.

Jennifer Trachtenberg, M.A., M.S.

A seasoned secondary-school counselor, teacher, and executive-function and writing coach, Jen works with students and adults to develop creative, concrete strategies for managing executive functioning challenges such as time-management, disorganization, perfectionism, and avoidance as well as writing skills. Her clients learn how to prioritize and organize work and life tasks as well as strategies for studying and test-taking.

After graduating with a B.A. in English from Haverford College, Jen earned an M.A. in Secondary English Education from Teachers’ College of Columbia University, and an M.S. in Secondary School Counseling from Villanova University. She has extensive experience in multiple areas, including: as a middle- and high-school English teacher and counselor, collaborating with district counselors and IEP teams, managing 504s, founding a gay-straight alliance club, facilitating a social-skills group for boys on the autism spectrum, as an advisor at Drexel University’s Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, and as a learning specialist at Villanova University.

In 2018, Jen completed a practicum in Mindfulness-Based Stress Management at the University of Pennsylvania, where she took the MBSR Foundations class in 2009 and has been practicing Mindfulness meditation ever since, both in her personal life and with students. She has also worked in publishing and as a hairstylist, both of which have come in handy as an educator.

Jaime Stone, M.Ed.

Jaime has taught in Pennsylvania public schools for 35 years, in both the elementary and middle school settings. She is a certified Reading Specialist, with certifications in Elementary Education and Middle Level English. Her career has equipped her with a deep understanding of the diverse challenges students face, particularly in the areas of literacy and executive functioning.

Working as a member of the school’s MTSS team, she collaborated with students and teachers to build crucial academic skills, improve organization, and enhance time management.

Beth Cope, M.A.

Beth has been an English teacher for more than 30 years. She has a B.A. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Rutgers University, an M.A. in Literature from UMass/Boston, and an M.A. in Writing from Northeastern University. She holds her certification in English (7-12) and her Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner credential. Currently, Beth teaches 9th and 10th grade English at Westtown School, and previously she taught at AIM Academy. Beth also taught online writing and literature classes at Saint Joseph’s University. In her tutoring sessions, Beth feels it’s important to develop relationships with students so that they feel confident in their ability as learners. She encourages her students to ask questions and advocate for themselves both during her sessions and at school. Ultimately, Beth wants her students to develop the tools to become independent agents of their own learning.

To learn about all of our tutors, check out our Meet the Team section. Please email our director today to find out how our tutors can help your children achieve their potentials: centerforeducationalservices@gmail.com.

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New Rosemont location!

The Ardmore office moved to a new location

Our former Ardmore office has moved to a beautiful and convenient office in Rosemont/Bryn Mawr! Located on Route 30/Lancaster Avenue in the first suite of offices on the first floor, we are minutes away from several towns on the Main Line. We still have our second office in Paoli as well. Make an appointment today to see our tutors in either location!

Executive Function Coaching for College Students and Adults

Executive Function Coaching for College Students

At CES, we understand that the transition to college—whether it’s a community college or a four-year university—can be both exciting and overwhelming for many students. With greater independence comes a wide array of responsibilities: managing multiple classes, juggling assignments with varying deadlines, staying on top of reading, projects, and exams—all while adapting to the nuances of college life and, increasingly, online learning environments.

That’s where CES comes in.

We offer specialized Executive Function coaching designed specifically for college students who need support in building the skills necessary to thrive, academically and personally. Our individualized coaching focuses on equipping students with tools to manage their time, organize their coursework, and stay ahead of deadlines – skills that are essential for success in higher education.

What Makes Our Coaching Unique?

Our Executive Function coaches work closely with each student to address their specific academic demands, tailoring strategies that align with their course load, learning style, and personal goals. Whether it’s interpreting a complex syllabus, breaking down long-term assignments into manageable tasks, or finding a system for keeping track of due dates, we help students develop the habits and mindset needed for sustained academic progress.

For students in specialized or high-demand courses, our coaching also hones in on managing more rigorous expectations. We provide guidance on how to approach research papers, prepare for high-stakes exams, and balance competing priorities without becoming overwhelmed.

Navigating Online Learning and Hybrid Courses

Today’s college experience often includes a mix of in-person, hybrid, and fully online classes – each with its own structure and set of expectations. We help students make sense of online platforms, track participation requirements, and plan ahead for extra-credit opportunities and asynchronous assignments. This kind of structured support ensures that nothing slips through the cracks, especially for students who struggle with time management or organization.

Flexible, Accessible Support

Our coaching is available both in-person and online, making it easy to fit into even the busiest of student schedules. Whether a student is attending a local college or studying out of town, we’re here to provide consistent, reliable support wherever they are.

Benefits Beyond the Classroom

By working with an Executive Function coach, students don’t just improve academically—they gain confidence, independence, and the ability to advocate for themselves in and out of the classroom. Over time, our coaching helps students become more self-sufficient and resilient learners.

And for parents, the benefits are just as meaningful. With a reliable support system in place, parents can feel more at ease, knowing that their student is receiving expert guidance and building critical life skills that extend far beyond academics.

At CES, we believe every student deserves the tools and support to succeed. Contact us today to learn how our Executive Function coaching can make a lasting difference in your student’s college experience.

Executive Function Coaching for Adults

Modern life places a high demand on our ability to stay organized, focused, and adaptable – whether we’re managing a career, household, continuing education, or all of the above. For many adults, especially those with ADHD, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges, staying on top of responsibilities can feel overwhelming.

At CES, we offer Executive Function coaching for adults designed to provide practical, individualized support for managing life’s complexities with greater clarity and confidence. Our coaching helps adults improve organization, time management, and decision-making skills, empowering them to be more effective and less stressed in all areas of life.

Common Coaching Goals for Adults

Managing work deadlines, projects, and emails more effectively
Creating sustainable routines for home, health, or parenting
Reducing procrastination and improving follow-through
Organizing physical or digital clutter
Navigating transitions such as job changes, returning to school, or parenting teens
Managing the demands of remote work or hybrid schedules

Support That Fits Your Life

Our coaching sessions are flexible and offered both online and in-person, making it easy to access support no matter your schedule or location. Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and grounded in real-world solutions – focused not just on short-term fixes but on building lasting skills.

Why It Matters

Executive Function coaching for adults isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about doing things with less stress and more purpose. As clients build confidence in their ability to organize, plan, and follow through, they often report improved relationships, greater productivity, and a renewed sense of control in their lives.

In short, this work isn’t just about calendars and checklists – it’s about personal growth and quality of life.

Ready to take control of your time, tasks, and goals?
Contact CES today to learn how our Executive Function coaching for adults can support your next chapter – whether that means thriving at work, managing family responsibilities, or simply feeling more on top of your day.

Click here for more information about executive function challenges and how tutoring can help.

Bridging the Learning Gap in 2021

It has been a challenging time for so many reasons, with school being one of the biggest concerns. With schools moving online in March 2020 and shifting back to traditional modalities this fall, parents and students are concerned about how these changes impact learning. Studies have shown that almost all teachers have seen “LEARNING LOSS” among their students during the pandemic. This is particularly evident with students who have already established learning challenges. Many families are searching for ways to bridge this learning gap so that students can face school more prepared and confident. One of the best ways to assist with this process is tutoring, either online or in-person. Tutoring offers the following benefits:

Individualized instruction instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Additional support for students who have learning differences, ADHD, executive function challenges, etc. School may not have met all of the child’s IEP needs.
Remediation due to losses in learning that occurred, getting assistance to “catch up” to grade level and beyond.
Structure, organization, planning, time management and other executive function skills taught and practiced.
Accountability to complete assignments, study for tests, and work on projects so that the responsibility to check in with children and teachers is not only on the parents’ shoulders. This avoids daily “homework battles” that have become more prevalent with students at home.
Ability to focus on one or more subjects, such as reading or math, with experts who specialized in those areas.

All of our tutors are Masters-level and have extensive experience working with children who have learning challenges. We offer online tutoring on many platforms (e.g., FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams) or even phone tutoring if a student is struggling. Depending on the comfort level of the family and the tutor, sessions are also taking place in person, with safety protocols in place. At our offices, we have plexiglass on the desks, masks and face shields if needed, strict disinfection of the office environment, and social distancing where necessary. In addition, sessions can be held outside. Our tutors will work with families to be sure everyone is comfortable.

If you are concerned about your student’s academic challenges, please feel free to contact our director, Dr. Amanda Strine at 610-642-4056 or centerforeducationalservices@gmail.com.

PEP: Personalized Enrichment Planning

Start off the school year with opportunities to stimulate your student’s higher-level thinking skills and creativity. PEP is designed for students who complete remote learning work more quickly than other students, or who need different opportunities to extend his/her thinking and learning. PEP can provide options for parents to keep learning active and pertinent when the basic remote curriculum has been completed. Stimulate your student’s love of learning and motivation with enrichment planned by an experienced gifted teacher.

Who? Marilyn Golden, M.Ed. Gifted Consultant

What? Challenging activities designed to extend lessons to higher levels of critical and creative thinking

When? When regular remote classroom assignments have been completed or as possible alternatives to required work (with permission from teacher and/or school)

Where? Planning and follow-up meetings will be facilitated on FaceTime or Zoom (following Covid-19 guidelines)

Why? To stimulate interest in learning and higher level thinking opportunities by offering opportunities for each student to plan or select what he/she would like to learn

How?

PEP coach will hold a conference to discover the student’s unique interests, learning styles, or passions
PEP Coach will create a menu of possible topics, activities or projects that match the student’s interests
PEP Coach and student ‘meet’ to discuss and refine options, brainstorm alternative ideas, and ask and answer questions
Realistic timelines and deadlines for completion of work will be created
Traditional or more creative options for presentation of learning will be discussed and planned
PEP Coach can meet with student/parents as necessary to problem solve and/or teach executive functioning strategies for success

Update: Important message about COVID-19/Coronavirus from our director

I hope you are all managing to stay safe, healthy, and relatively calm during these scary and uncertain times. I just wanted to reach out to all current and prospective clients and their families to apprise you of our situation at CES. Your safety and well-being are our highest priority. We are offering different options for tutoring: online, in-person at our offices, in the student’s home, at a neutral location, and/or outside.

We offer online tutoring on many platforms (e.g., FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams) or even phone tutoring if a student is struggling. Depending on the comfort level of the family and the tutor, some sessions are now taking place in person, with safety protocols in place. At our offices, we have plexiglass on the desks, masks and face shields if needed, strict disinfection of the office environment, and social distancing where necessary. Sessions can also be held outside. Our tutors will work with families to be sure everyone is comfortable. Above all, no tutor or student will hold an in-person session if they are sick or have been in contact with someone who has symptoms.

The situation has not been ideal for students, particularly those with learning differences, ADHD, executive functioning issues, etc. Schools were forced to change their curriculum and require lessons, assignments, tests, and projects online. There are many problems our clients face with this new, unknown frontier. For instance, for students with executive function difficulties, it is challenging them to be organized, manage their time wisely, plan projects well, study effectively, and tune out all of the stimulation at home. If they are attending school in a hybrid model, students have to remember their materials both at home and school, keep track of when and how assignments are due, and manage their lives in an efficient manner. In addition, they may have lost valuable skills over the past year. Students may feel lost and have to play “catch up” after school opened again. Our tutors remain flexible and open to serving each client’s individual needs. The same goes for any new or prospective clients. If you or your child is overwhelmed by the academic work, we are here to help.

As always, feel free to reach out to me anytime if you have any questions or concerns. Emailing me at centerforeducationalservices@gmail.com is the quickest way to reach me since I am not always available by phone. You can also leave me a message at 610-642-4056 with a good number and time to call you, and I will do so promptly.

Thank you all for your understanding and flexibility!

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones,

Amanda C. Strine, Psy.D.

Director of the Center for Educational Services

Summer Reading Tips

Did your stomach drop when you realized that it is the last month of summer? Has your child even opened that required summer reading book(s) yet? You are not alone. If your child does not love reading and/or has learning challenges related to reading, August can be a stressful time. Here are some tips for parents:

1. Read aloud together with your child every day.

Make it fun by reading outdoors on the front steps, patio, at the beach or park. Also, let your children read to you. For younger children, point out the relationship between words and sounds.

2. Set a good example!

Parents must be willing to model behavior for their children. Keep lots of reading material around the house. Turn off the TV and have each person read his or her book, including mom and dad.

3. Read the same book your child is reading and discuss it.

This is the way to develop habits of the mind and build capacity for thought and insight.

4. Let kids choose what they want to read, and don’t turn your nose up at popular fiction.

It will only discourage the reading habit.

5. Buy books on tape, especially for a child with a learning disability.

Listen to them in the car, or turn off the TV and have the family listen to them together.

6. Take your children to the library regularly.

Most libraries sponsor summer reading clubs with easy-to-reach goals for preschool and school-age children. Check the library calendar for special summer reading activities and events. Libraries also provide age appropriate lists for summer reading.

7. Subscribe, in your child’s name, to magazines like Sports Illustrated for Kids, Highlights for Children, or National Geographic World.

Encourage older children to read the newspaper and current events magazines, to keep up the reading habit over the summer and develop vocabulary. Ask them what they think about what they’ve read, and listen to what they say.

8. Ease disappointment over summer separation from a favorite school friend by encouraging them to become pen pals.

Present both children with postcards or envelopes that are already addressed and stamped. If both children have access to the Internet, email is another option.

9. Make trips a way to encourage reading by reading aloud traffic signs, billboards, notices.

Show your children how to read a map, and once you are on the road, let them take turns being the navigator.

10. Encourage children to keep a summer scrapbook.

Tape in souvenirs of your family’s summer activities picture postcards, ticket stubs, photos. Have your children write the captions and read them and read them aloud as you look at the book together.

What are Executive Function Skills?

Does home feel like a battleground? Does it feel like you and your child speak different languages? Does your student know how to do the work at school, but can’t seem to get it completed on-time, effectively, or without missing simple steps? Then Executive Functioning Coaching is the next step. EFC is a multi-systemic approach to address deficits in executive functioning skills. By tackling issues arising at home and school, this intervention provides students with the skills necessary to meet daily demands. It also empowers parents with ways to help foster their child’s growth.

What is executive function? And how does it affect learning?

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), “executive function (EF) is a term used to describe a set of mental processes that helps us connect past experience with present action.” Every day, each of us uses executive function skills in activities such as decision making, strategizing, troubleshooting, managing our emotions, paying attention, keeping “on-task” and remembering details.

Signs that your student may be struggling with EF:

Chronic disorganization
Difficulty with note-taking and study skills
Problems with multi-step directions
Losing track of time and little awareness of how to estimate how long work will take
Difficulty with memorizing facts or recalling important information
Trouble initiating activities or switching to a new subject
Habitually losing or misplacing belongings
Challenges with reading comprehension, math and/or writing

How can Executive Functioning Coaching help?

Plan, organize and prioritize work
Learn key time-management skills
Self-advocate and know when to ask for help
Improve working memory, prolong attention span and focus
Self-monitor and evaluate behavior (think before acting, have awareness of how behavior affects self and others)
Gain more effective study skills
Regulate emotions while completing tasks
Think critically and make corrections

The Center for Educational Services has specialized in Executive Function Coaching for several years. Our expert tutors create an individualized plan based on your child’s needs in order to help them feel more prepared, successful and confident. To learn more about our coaching, click HERE and call (610-642-4056) or email (centerforeducationalservices@gmail.com) our director to get started.

Does your child need extra help with schoolwork?

“While many students work with a tutor because they are struggling at school, others get assistance to advance their studies. Even before the school year begins, many teens realize they will have an extremely challenging teacher or a particularly difficult class. In such cases, proactively engaging a professional, so that a student knows he or she has scheduled one-on-one assistance prior to encountering a complex concept, can minimize the anxiety a student feels and improve grades.”

What is the best type of tutoring for my child?

How do you choose the type of tutoring that will work best for your child? At CES, we specialize in finding the best match for your child and his/her needs based on phone consultations with our director, Dr. Amanda Strine. She has extensive experience consulting with parents, teachers, professionals, and students in order to find the most effective interventions for a child’s individual needs. Call her today at 610-642-4056 or email at centerforeducationalservices@gmail.com.

“Deciding to get a tutor for your child is an important step. But even more important is finding the one who will best fit your child’s needs. Because there are many different types of tutoring and lots of tutors to choose from, parents should research their options fully to find their child’s perfect match.

“Don’t just rush into a relationship,” advises John J. Prelich, Jr., of Corn Associates educational consulting firm in New Jersey. “Shop around and really look into it.”

To find the best tutor, you should first talk with your child’s teacher and find out what he needs. Many kids require only a little extra attention and homework support. Some students will benefit from learning effective organization and study skills. Sometimes children need re-teaching to fill in the things they missed in previous years. And occasionally, a student requires intensive instruction to build an educational foundation on which future learning can take place. Knowing what your child needs will help guide you toward the right tutor.

After learning what your child needs, it’s time to consider your options…

Private Tutors

Hiring an individual to work with your child is still the most common type of tutoring. A private tutor works one-on-one with your child, usually in your home or hers. Sometimes a tutor will meet your child in a mutually convenient place, such as the school or a library.

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a private tutor is the individualized attention your child will receive. Working face-to-face, the tutor and student develop a strong personal relationship. This relationship helps the tutor understand the child’s strengths and weaknesses so he can adapt his lessons accordingly. It gives the child someone to discuss academic difficulties with, without the fear of rejection.”

Excerpt from:
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/poor-soar-finding-help-your-child-needs

New year, new student! Discover the benefits of tutoring

Make a resolution to help your child gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to be a successful student in 2018 and beyond! Our expert tutors work one-on-one with your child. They provide individualized support in order for him/her to take on more responsibility and a become more independent learner. Contact our director today at 610-642-4056 or centerforeducationalservices@gmail.com

Discover the benefits of tutoring

Executive Function challenges starting middle and high school

Is your child transitioning to middle or high school? We find that these are the most challenging times for clients who struggle with executive functioning issues and/or ADHD. Find out why this is the case and contact our center for help. We have expert EF tutors/coaches who have immediate availability. They can work with your child in order to become more independent, responsible, and confident both at school and home.

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